IRELAND TO-DAY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16374, 23 June 1927, Page 9

IRELAND TO-DAY

"SEEKING IMPOSSIBLE IDEAL" LONDON, June 8. "I venture to predict the return of the Cosgravo party, slightly chastened in spirit but secure in public confidence," says tho Dublin correspondent of the Times, discussing the Free State elections, the pooling for which will take place on June 9. "There is no feasible alternative to tho C'osgrave Government, because sensible voters will not support De Valera's policy, leading as it does straight to economic and political ruin," the writer continues. "Nevertheless, the Government has incurred much unpopularity, although its record is good. It has restored order", reduced taxation, maintained the national credit, introduced several constructive projects (including the Shannon electoral scheme and the beet, sugar factory), and has shown religious and civil tolerance, while the conduct of its delegates at the Imperial Conference was admirable. "On the other hand it has been guilty of many follies committed in the pur- j suit of tho impossible ideal of the Gaelic; State, chiefly the compulsory learning of the Irish language. "It's forcible revival has resulted in a distinct anti-British bias and a feverish desire for change, and the removal of every trace of British rule, including the removal of the King's head from postage stamps, the disappearance of the Royal Arms from the courts, tho Union Jack tho the National Anthem, separate medical and dental registers, ;:nd distinctive coins and currencies, while the anti-British tariffs reflected an adverse balance trade amounting to £19,000,000 on £100,000,000 last year. _ "Such gestures are most harmful in their effect on Ulster public opinion. "Intelligent voters believe that the Government would gain, instead of losing, if its majority were reduced, thus forcing it to make a coalition. The recent independence of the Opposition has bred an arrogance which restraint and co-operation would correct. It would also curb the zeal of the Gaelic fanatics."