O’DUFFY IN GAOL

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1933, Page 5

O’DUFFY IN GAOL

BLUE SHIRT MEETING RIOT

POLICE CORDONS RESISTED

IRISH POLITICAL SENSATION

FAITH IN UNITEDS’ CAUSE

EARLY TRIAL IMPROBABLE

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Dublin, Dec. 17.

General O’Duffy, leader of the United Ireland Party, was arrested for wearing a Blue Shirt uniform at a political meeting at Westport (County Mayo) after a pitched .battle between his supporters and 100 police who formed a cordon in adjacent .streets. With strong reinforcements within easy call, steel-helmeted and gas-masked soldiers patrolled Westport in lorries. The meeting progressed quietly until 'a cavalcade of 100 heralded the approach of General O’Duffy, whom police had stopped a mile outside the town. General O’Duffy, with his supporters on horseback, entered Westport by another road. The cordon again stopped him, declaring that he must not speak wearing such a garb. He did not resist but his cheering, supporters heaved him shoulder high and charged the police. Despite the batons they rushed him to the platform, knocking down men and women. General O’Duffy, amid yells and counter-yells, seized a brief opportunity and shouted: “People of Ireland, be calm! Our cause will go on though I am imprisoned and we shall win.” The police fought through the crowd and stormed the platform, General O’Duffy, surrounded by 100 police and soldiers, was taken to the police barracks, the rearguard repelling would-be rescuers. A strong guard encircled the barracks.

The superintendent is unable to state what charge is being preferred against General O’Duffy, who is supported locally. Mr. J. Fitzgerald-Kenney (former Minister of Justice) and others attempted to continue the meeting amid uproarious free fights and stampeding horses. RESTRAINT OF POLICE. The police acted with self-restraint and no shots were fired. Republicans were scarce among those arrested, who were John Cintrey, John Kilcoyne (the first Blue Shirt gaoled, who was making his first appearance since his release) and Captain O’Sullivan—a former associate of Michael Collins, who followed Kilcoyne’s example, defiantly doffing his overcoat and displaying his blue shirt when speaking prior to General O’Duffy’s arrival. General O’Duffy’s arrest has caused a sensation in political circles at Dublin, which expect his removal to the Arbour Hill barracks, where Commander Cronin, another Blue Shirt leader, awaits trial on December 21. General O’Duffy may spend Christmas in custody as only two clear days are left for the military tribunal to sit before December 25. Newspaper attempts to interview Mr. de Valera and General O’Duffy regarding the arrest are forbidden. Commander Cronin will be charged with sedition and with being a member of the banned National Guard. Mr. de Valera has decided not to outlaw the League of Youth (General O’Duffy’s recently-formed body) until its legality is tested in the High Court. The police have been’ instructed not to interfere with political meetings if they are orderly, but all.-Blue Shirt parades under any name must be stopped. Mr. de Valera, escorted by bands and banner bearers, addressed. 10,000 people at Tralee. He pleaded for unity and discipline in Ireland and in the economic struggle with England. He also deplored the recent outrages at Kerry and added that the Ministry was determined to enforce the. Government’s authority. There must be either an ordered democracy or a dictatorship. The Government had 90 per cent.' of the Republicans behind it

LEGALITY OF ARREST DOUBTED. SHARP DEPARTURE FROM CUSTOM. By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Rec. 1.30 ajn. London, Dec. 18. Mr. W. T. Cosgrave (former President of the Executive Council) will preside at a meeting of the United Ireland Party to-day to consider measures for testing the legality of General O’Duffy’s arrest The Irish Independent editorially says: “It has never been charged that the objects of the United Ireland Party, of which General O’Duffy is president, are in any way illegal. The public utterances of General O’Duffy and the other leaders have always struck an emphatic note in regard to law and order and obedience to constituted authorities. Every democratic country recognises that opposition plays a useful part in public affairs. The arrest of General O’Duffy has introduced a startling departure from accepted methods of political controversy. A strict account of the authorities’ action will be demanded;