A General Election in Eire
In consequence of a defeat of the Government of Eire in the Dail by one vote-64 to 63—on the second reading of the Transport Bill, Mr. de Valera has decided to appeal to the country. This will mean a second General Election within a period of twelve months. The measure on which the vote was taken, involving the creation of a company to operate all rail and road transport in the country, was one of considerable domestic importance, and a General Election is a natural consequence. In the last contest both of the major parties suffered losses, Fine Gael, so long led by Mr. Cosgrave, falling from 41 to 32, while Fianna Fail (Mr. de Valera's party) was reduced from, 76 to 66. The gains went to Labour and the Farmers. Thus Mr. de Valera just lost his independent majority, but has carried on the Government with uncertain support from the smaller parties. It has been for him an obviously unsatisfac- tory position, and no doubt he would have preferred to choose his time for another appeal to the electorate, but this moment is probably not altogether unfavourable to him. It is assumed that the contest will be fought on domestic issues. No one advocates a departure from the policy of neutrality. But Mr. de Valera's supporters will see to it that the background of external affairs is not forgotten. The Prime Minister will gain support through just that action which has diminished his credit abroad—his refusal to get rid of• German agents in Dublin—and through a superstitious belief that he is the indispensable strong man for an emergency.
Previous page
