31 MAY 1879, Page 3

Limerick has, of course, returned a Home-ruler, Mr. Daniel Fitzgerald

Gabbett, in the place of Mr. Isaac Butt. He was elected last Saturday by a majority of 202,—Mr. Gabbett obtain- ing 860 votes, against 658 given for Mr. Spaight, who, however, polled 160 votes more than he received at his last contest. Mr. Gabbett is very popular as a landlord, and it is asserted by the opponents of Home-rule that the Catholic clergy used their influence for him at the doors of the polling-booths in a way to overawe many of Mr. Spaight's supporters, and to induce them to break their pledges. On the whole, the moderate party regard the Limerick election as an indication of improved feel- ing in Limerick, and of a gradual decline in the still great popu- larity of the Home-rule cry.