IRELAND.

Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13294, 24 May 1907, Page 5

IRELAND.

THE COUNCIL BILL. PRESS COMMENT AND CRITICISM. Press Association-By Telegraph-Copyright LONDON, May 22. The "Times" Dublin correspondent jn dealing with the convention, says that the general impression is that Mr Redmond recently made a gross political miscalculation, and now tries to cover up his tracks. Many Unionists fear that the Nationalists will seek to return to popularity on a wave of agrarian agitation. The "Times," emphasising the seriousness of ihi'; blow to the Government, and Mr Bin ell. Chief Secretary for Ireland, declares that the fate of-the Bill must further damage the already waning authority of the Government. The present feeling towards the Irish party will hardly dispose the Government to defer to the audacious demand to proceed with a series of highly contentious measures. The " Dailv Chronicle" declares that Mr Bin-ell's Bill is killed.

The " Daily News " says: " This is the end of devolution."

The "Tribune" says: "The verdict is decisive and final."

The "Morning Post" says that the Liberals will gain little by Mr Redmond giving them a choice between accepting Irish support on terms closely approximating intimidation and sacrificing the Irish vote. The "Daily News" says that Hie shadow of failure has fallen on the hopes of Liberalism, and the limits of any possible achievement are painfully narrowed bv Mr Redmond's action. "The "Westminster Gazette" says that Mr Healv. having killed the Bill, the rejection of the hnlf measure will hardly er.courage the Liberal Party to proceed with the whole measure. The Liberals are able to do nothing more until the Nationalists develop a practicable frame of mind.

AN AUSTRALIAN OPINION. LONDON, May 22. Speaking at the Irish Convention, the Hon. Frank Connor, a member of the West Australian Legislative Council, declared that the enthusiasm for th« Home Rule cause shown in America was rivalled, if not exceeded, by the people of tne Federal States of Australia. ADDRESS BY MR O'CONNOR. Received 9.30 p.m.. May 23rd. LONDON, May 23. Mr T. O'Connor, addressing the members of the Irish League of Great Britain, at the Mansion House, Dublin, said that the decision of th'-e Convention had imposed on thi British organisation new and enlarged duties which might impose some change of policy. Owing to the badness of thw Council Bill, the unwise counsels given to the Government by the officials in Ireland. th u divisions of opinion' among the members of the Government, and their profound, apparently invincible, ignorance as to the real sentiment of Ireland, the '.struggle must be recommenced, and hi stronger, stonier, and more energetic th:in ever. Th° action of the Convention ne«l not retard for a, ringln hour tho election of a jrrcat assembly to make lawji for Ireland on Irish ■■oil.