THE IRISH QUESTION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 960, 9 March 1917, Page 11

THE IRISH QUESTION.

BRITISH PRESS OPINION. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received March i), 12.20 p.m.) LONDON, March 8. The "Daily Telegraph" says it is believed that the Nationalists will enter into active opposition in the hope of forcing a general election. Sixty-five followed Mr Redmond, but Mr Healy, six O'Brienists, and Mr Ginnell remained. The "Daily News" says that men of every party must endeavour to avert the dangers which yesterday's events must precipitate. Mr Lloyd George's suggested conference was hopeless in view of the wreckage of the previous conference. If Mr Redmond's solution proves impossible of realisation, let the Government endorse Mr \squith\s proposal. The Imperial Conference's assistance may retrieve yesterday's mistake at the eleventh hour. The "Daily Express" says that Mr Lloyd George has taken a strong and direct line on the Irish policy, and Mr Redmond has thrown statesmanship overboard. The debate gives little hope of a settlement. The I Government will not neglect to use the Imperial Conference or any promising road to salvation, but Ulster is the crux of the problem. If the upshot is a revolt, Britain is strong enough to deal with it. The "Daily Graphic" says that the Government is responsible for last night's spectacle. Mr Lloyd George's offer was a step backward, not forward. If he wanted to create resentment in Ireland he could not have chosen a better way. The result must be to send the Nationalists' followers to the standard of rebellion. Mr Asquith's suggestion was at least hopeful, ami deserved prompt attention.