IRISH FREE STATE

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 334, 18 August 1933, Page 5

IRISH FREE STATE

Government May Force Election ABOLITION OF SENATE Press Association.—^oo3'right. London, Aug. 17. It is now realised that the Irish Free State Government may decide to force an election with the abolition of the Senate as the main objective, says the Dublin correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. This would win much support. On the other hand, Mr. de Valera has lost support by the revival of the Public Safety Act.

It is suggested that a surtax would be imposed en incomes of over £2OOO, affecting about 2000 taxpayers.

A striking example of the plight of the farmers was given at the opening day of .the autumn sheep sales. Only 52 sheep were sold of 1000. Some lots brought no bids, and others went for 12s. and 13s. a head. The highest price was £1 Is. for Cheviot ewes, but only 20 were sold at that figure. Mr. de Valera will open a Ministerial campaign at Kilkenny at Sunday, indicating that the Government intends to learn the people's attitude first-hand. If general support seems assured an election may be sprung and he may abandon the military tribunal and the exhibition of force against General O'Duffy because this encourages the Blue Shirts, who thrive on suppression. The Senate insisted by 13 votes to 1G en amending the Public Service Bill in order to exempt the Civic Guard from wage reductions. Ssnator Staines charged the Government with allowing men to congregate outside Dublin on Sunday with murder in their hearts and cobblestones in their hands'and awaiting the Blue Shirts. The Administration, while docking the Civic Guard, spent £30,000 on its new armed police force. Senator McEntee explained that the police were necessary to strengthen the force in view of the cessation of recruiting for the Civic Guard. In the interests of economy it was hoped that the ,-pscial fores would bs disbanded when the' emergency ended. The Dail may reassemble to consider the 'situation, but it is believed that the Government will withdraw the Bill and impose a surtax, realising £300,000.