IRISH UNITY AIM

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1933, Page 7

IRISH UNITY AIM

BLUE SHIRTS MAKE PEACE CONSTITUTIONAL PROGRESS UNIFORMS TO DISAPPEAR PLATFORM OF NEW PARTY 'BEST NEWS SINCE TREATY’ By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 9.25 p.m'. London, Sept. 4. The Blue Shirts have made their peace with the authorities by joining a constitutional political organisation, says a special correspondent of the Daily l Herald. On this compromise the new United Irish Party has been formed, the Blue Shirt as an emblem of Fascism thus disappearing. The compromise was largely due to pressure Mr. MacDermott, leader of the Farmers’ Party, brought to bear on General O’Duffy. The youth movement associated with the old National Guard will continue, but all the members will be part of a political organisation. Mr. de Valera when interviewed denied that there would be an early election. He admitted that if all the parties voted against the Fianna Fail its majority was insufficient to conduct the Government. General O’Duffy would have opportunities for free speech, but the Government could not popularise people or causes.

It is generally felt that Mr. de Valera can rely on Labour deputies on the vital issues, as they do not desire an early election.

The policy of the United Ireland Party includes the promotion of the reunion of-Ireland and the maintenance of Ireland’s right to decide whether or not to remain a member of .the British Commonwealth, the preservation of Ireland’s position in the commonwealth, to view the advantages thereof and the better prospects of unity therefrom, the restoration and development of markets by businesslike settlement vzith Britain, the promotion of agricultural interests as the main source of prosperity, the reduction of public expenditure, the speedy obliteration of memories of the Civil War, the abolition of intolerance, the protection of individual liberty and the building up of a worthy Irish civilisation to which all sections of the community will contribute. •

The Cork branch of the Cosgrave Party approves of the establishment of the United Irish Party, and states that it is the best news since the treaty. It warns members to prepare for an early election.

Mr. Cosgrave and Mr. MacDermott are expected to make important announcements on Friday regarding a whirlwind campaign following rank, and file ratification of the union. General O’Duffy has been offered the presidency instead of Mr. Cosgrave in order to leave General O’Duffy free for outside campaigning while Mr. Cosgrave is occupied! in the Dail.