CRISIS APPROACHING

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 354, 11 September 1933, Page 6

CRISIS APPROACHING

Position in Irish Free State THREE DISTURBING EVENTS Mr. de Valera’s Difficulties London, Sept. 7. Three events that fanned political excitement in Dublin to fever heat to-day were the fusion of the oppositionists, Republican disturbances in Dublin and the arrest of nine Waterford farmers for trial by a military tribunal for alleged complicity in a rates boycott. Events are marching to a crisis from which Mr. de Valera can emerge only through a successful election.

The Cosgrave Party and the Centre Party met separately in Mansion House and agreed on fusion, including the National Guard. General O’Duffy was appointed chairman of the new organisation —the United Ireland Party—and Mr. Cosgrave, Mr. Dillon and Mr. MacDermott vice-presidents. General O’Duffy received cheers and Fascist salutes, though a woman at the rear of the hall shouted, “Up Ihe Republic; up de Valera,” before scuttling out as the audience launched the Irish National Anthem.

General O’Duffy declared that jie merger had saved Ireland from annihilation, and promised loyal service to it. Father Hughes said that everything General O’Duffy touched flourished. Sixty thousand of the nation’s best blood followed him.

Mr. MacDermott, addressing the Centre Party, urged the substitution of something for Mr. de Valera which would guarantee Ireland’s unity, prosperity and independence. A number of youths, carrying antiBritish banners, rioted outside a Dublin police court when they were refused admission to listen to hotel raid charges. The police made a baton charge, which was fiercely resisted, but eventually scattered the mob, injuring several. The street was subsequently barricaded and the trial proceeded.