The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1927. FREE STATE POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 August 1927, Page 6

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 1927. FREE STATE POLITICS.

For flic second time within four months the Irish Free State is to be plunged into a general election which is expected to be fought with intense bitterness and determination. It being practically impossible for Mr. Cosgrave’s government to carry on with at most a majority of one, but liable at any moment to be in a minority, there was no option 'but for the dissolution of the present Parliament and another general election. It is not, however, surprising to learn that the decision of the government has had the effect of a bombshell on the nerves of those who find the explosion too close to be pleasant. While the London Press consider that Mr. Cosgrave’s action was a “master stroke,” the Free State Labour Leader takes the view that it is a “gambler’s throw.”

It may be a little of both. All the same, it is probable the feeling in favour of that action will preponderate. Undoubtedly it was a clever move, though inevitable under the circumstances. Mr. Cosgrave is really in a stronger position to face an appeal to the country than at the last election, for the reasons that Mr. De Valera and his party cannot fail to have lost caste by abandoning their pledge not to take the oath of allegiance, while, though possibly his fighting fund has not been quite exhausted, it must be very considerably reduced, or an appeal would not have been sent forth in the hope of replenishing the sinews of war. There can be no misapprehension as to the nature of the issue to be decided, namely, constitutional government in accord with the agreement whereby the Free State was instituted, as opposed to an out and out Republic, completely severed from the British Crown. The view taken by one of the De Valera party that the principal result of the election will be the disappearance of the Farmers’ Party, and the acceptance of the principle that.it is useless to elect several small .groups, as one party, strong enough to rnli, must be returned, exactly meets the ease. No doubt Mr. Cosgraveis thoroughly alive to the necessity for impressing upon the electors the fateful nature of the election. It is an occasion which needs not only a great, but an inspired, leader if the country is to remain a Dominion of the Empire, and any other destiny is unthinkable. If the voting at the recent byelection be any criterion of what will take place in the coming general election, there will be a transfer of votes, which were previously cast for National League and Independent candidates, to Government candidates. It is quite likely the nature of the byelection voting had an influence upon the decision of the Cosgrave Cabinet to nokl a “rush” general election, and thereby strike the iron while it is -Tot. The Free State Premier lias proved his capacity and fitness as an ad ministrator, and given evidence of possessing statesmanlike qualities. Most important of all, he is keenly desirous to promote the peace, prosperity and loyalty of the country as a unit of the Empire. It is eminently characteristic of Captain Redmond to take a pessimistic view of the situation in his forecast that the issue of the election will be peace or war That assertion may be construed lin two ways. Firstly, it may mean that a working majority for 'the present Government will make for peace. Ou the other 'hand, it mav be translated as in-

dieating the reverse,. At the same time, it is likely that whichever party tvins there will be disturbances, and possibly of a serious nature. In view of this contingency it is necessary for the party of law, order -and loyalty to be returned with a sufficient majority to ensure that the best interests of the people as a whole will be defended and promoted. As one of the Dominions constituting the British Empire it is only natural that the Sister Dominions should wish the Free State the same security, prosper ity and privileges which they enjoy That, much interest will be taken in the verdict of the electors by those outside the Free State goes without saying. There will also be felt keen pleasure should the present Government prevail.