IRISH AFFAIRS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 30

IRISH AFFAIRS.

UPROAR IN DAIL. PUBLIC SAFETY BILL. LONDON, July 27. A wild scene in the Dail during the Public Safety Bill debate culminated in the Labour Party walking out. The uproar began when Professor O’Sullivan, Minister of Education, was speaking, and Mr Lynch, a Labourite, interjected with the accusation that the Government had murdered men—an obvious reference to Rory O’Connor’s execution, which aroused a frenzy of argument. The Speaker appealed for order. Professor O’Sullivan went on to say that talk of that sort led to Mr O’Higgins’s murder, whereupon the whole of the Labour Partv sprang to its feet angrily demanding a withdrawal. The Speaker pointed out that a Labourite had accused the Government of murder, and if one side used extreme language the other would also take an extreme course. At Mr Cosgrave’s request Professor O’Sullivan refused to withdraw, and fuel was added to the fire when Mr Cosgrave shouted to the Opposition, “Wash your hands nf it now.” The Labour Party then filed out.

THE- IRISH OUTRAGE. LONDON, July 25. The ten men who were arrested on July 12 in connection with the murder of Mr O’Higgins were discharged, no evidence being offered against them. The crowd cheered the decision. MENACE TO IRELAND. LONDON, July 26. Speaking in the Dail during the second reading of the Public Safety Bill, Mr Cosgrave said that while it was assumed that the so-called Army Council of the Republicans as a whole did not murder Mr O’Higgins, there was little doubt that a section of the council did. He disclosed a number of documents which the Secret Service had seized, adding that the Government had a copy of the constitution and the names of the governing body. During a meeting to discuss the question of De Valera’s Party entering the Dail, a suggestion was made that any Republican taking the oath should be shot as a traitor. Mr Cosgrave added: “This organisation, is a menace to the liberty of the people and must be broken up. Mr O’Higgins’s assassination was the work of a remnant of the armed organisation which was responsible for civil war. It will carry out further deeds of violence if special steps are not taken to' show it that there is no chance of escape. LONDON, July 27. Mr Patrick Belton, a member of Dr Valera’s Party, took tho oath and his seat in the Dail, and participated in the debate on the Public Safety Bill, strongly opposing it. PENSION FOR MRS O’HIGGINS. LONDON, July .28. The Free State Government has granted Mrs O’Higgins and her children £20,000 to be invested in a trust fund. PROTECTION SCORNED. LONDON, July 29. Mr De Valera says that, according to the Free State police, he is in danger of being shot, but personally he has received no threatening letters. He is not concerned with official action,' and does not want protection. TWO MEN REMANDED. LONDON, July 29. Owen Donnelly, one of the 10 men previously arrested, who has been retained in custody, and Thomas Errigan, both of whom were charged in connection with the murder of Mr O’Higgins, have been remanded, the police not yet offering evidence.