General O'Duffy Resigns General O'Duffy's resignation of the leadership of
the United Ireland Party and of the Blueshirt organization cannot be regretted by those who wish to see the Opposi- tion in the Free State led in a statesmanlike manner. Nothing but harm could be done to the cause by such reckless utterances as that on which we commented a few weeks ago, when the General spoke of the Blueshirts rallying to fight invaders from the North ; or as those in which at an earlier stage he appeared to identify his movement with Fascism. He is a courageous and spirited man ; he has the right sort of personality to inspire moods of enthusiasm and dare-devilry in massed bands of young patriots. But for the sustained leadership of a serious Opposition which might be expected to bring back sound government to the Free State he was obviously unsuited. Mr. Cosgrave could not possibly be expected to countenance his more capricious pronouncements, and Mr. Cosgrave after all is the wise and tested leader to whom in the long run serious Irishmen who distrust Mr. de Valera will look for guidance. Ex-Commandant Cronin succeeds General O'Duffy as director-general of the Blueshirts, and Mr. Cosgrave resumes his proper place as leader of the Opposition.
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