Irish Dissolution

Dissolution. A political bomb exploded in Dublin, capital of the Irish Free State, staggering politicians, shattering precedent, blasting hopes: Governor General Timothy Michael Healy, "with the advice of the Executive Council," dissolved the Oireachtas (Parliament), ordered a general election for Sept. 15.

By-elections. The cause of this unexpected proclamation was the Cosgrave Government's victories in the by-elections held in the constituencies of Dublin County and Dublin City, South. The one was a Government and the other a Re- publican stronghold, made vacant respectively by the assassination of Kevin O'Higgins, Vice President of the Cabinet (TIME, July 18 et seq.), and the death of the Countess Markievicz (TIME, July 25). Thus it became apparent that the party of President (Premier) William Thomas Cosgrave had won a significant victory not only in one of its own districts but in the capture of one district long Republican. The results:

DUBLIN CITY, SOUTH

Government 24,139 votes

Fianna Fail 18,647 votes

Sinn Fein 1,115 votes

Dr. Thomas Hennessey elected.

DUBLIN COUNTY

Government 39,966 votes

Fianna Fail 16,126 votes

Sinn Fein 1,322 votes

Gerald O'Sullivan elected.

Justification. Said President Cosgrave in explaining his action in advising the Governor General to dissolve the Oireachtas:

". . . The entrance of members of Fianna, Fail* to the Dail and their alliance with Labor and Independents have created an entirely different situation for the Government than that envisaged by the general electorate after the last election.

"It is evident that the Government cannot carry on its program, as there is no margin of safety against the parties in opposition. On the other hand, it is obvious that the coalition Government's foes afford no basis for a stable, progressive administration since they are united only in a desire to defeat Ireland's present leaders.

"In this situation the only recourse is to place entire responsi- bility for the Government before the Irish people."

Criticism. While businessmen generally supported the bold election move, calming widespread fear engendered by the Government's precarious position, Republicans, Nationalists, Laborites and Farmers were unanimous in condemning it. The Farmers were annoyed because it promised to interfere with the harvest.

Denouncing the proclamation as "political sharp practice," Eamon de Valera, chief of the Fianna Fail, sternly warned Mr. Cosgrave: "The President will find that Fianna Fail is not so unprepared to fight a general election as he believes. The Irish forces in Ireland will stand shoulder to shoulder in the final battle against British imperialism through its servants, the Cosgrave Ministry."

Thomas Johnston, Labor leader, who had well-founded hopes of becoming President of the Cabinet in the autumn, thought that the Governor General's action was unconstitutional and said so.

More favorable criticism was naturally forthcoming from Alderman John Jinks, who a fortnight ago (TIME, Aug. 29) saved the Cosgrave Ministry from defeat by withholding his vote in the critical Dail session. "My belief is that what occurred in Dublin yesterday will be repeated all over the country. The Government could not be dissolved at a more opportune moment."

Campaign. All parties immediately set their election machinery in motion. All, except the Government party, which can now bank on liberal support from the alarmed business community, were short of money, principally on account of a general election having recently been held (TIME, June 20).

The Republicans were stated to be in a difficult position, having spent a great deal of the estimated $150,000 Mr. de Valera raised earlier in the year in the U. S., which is said to have aided him importantly in capturing 44 seats at the last election. Observers said that it will be difficult for him to raise money now and that the party is likely to suffer as a result. However, Mr. de Valera announced that he is well prepared, and as an indication of the strenuous fight he intends to wage, Republican conventions for naming candidates were held in all constituencies.

The Labor party and the National League are, perhaps, in worst shape. It was reported that the Laborites were at their wits' end to obtain enough cash to put up a strong fight, while the Nationalists, under Captain William A. Redmond, have so shocked the liquor interests, their main supporters, by aiding the Republicans and Laborites, in the Dail in the attempt to defeat the Cosgrave Government, that they are all but discredited.

Governor General. Chief credit for the astute political move went to Timothy Healy, Free State Governor General. "Tim" as he was known in the old days at Westminster, is one of the cleverest as well as one of the most vituperative politicians alive, whereas most af the Free State's political talent is young and relatively inexperienced. With almost certain defeat staring Mr. Cosgrave in the face, the Governor General would certainly point out the advantages of taking the decisive step of forcing the parties into a new contest, now that the country is believed to be well aroused to the gravity of the issues at stake.

It is only a few years ago since Mr. Healy, referring to the oppo- sition, called it "a number of persons whom we have never heard of before except in connection with explosions and assassinations." These words aroused the Free State to a high pitch of indignation and pride. "Tim's off again,"was the most indulgent of the remarks passed on the sidewalks of Dublin. But "Tim" did not give "two hoots" what anybody thought and everybody knew it. And even if the opposition has come to be better known and less associated with assassinations, "sure and to goodness thair's no raison at all, at all, why Tim Healy should stop bein' Tim Healy."

Significance. President Cosgrave has seized the only opportunity of securing a new lease of life for his Cabinet. A fortnight ago (TIME, Aug. 29) he had a majority of one vote in the Dail. Winning both by-elections last week not only gave him a majority of two, not count- ing the speaker's casting vote, but also showed which way the wind was blowing. At best the Government could not command a working majority.

New elections at a time when the opposition parties are known to be financially embarrassed may well return Mr. Cosgrave and his party to the next Dail with a comfortable surplus of votes; for his narrow escape has alarmed the conservative business element and has shot Irish politics with a keenness it has lacked since the first Free State elections. At present everything points to a big victory for Mr. Cos- grave.

* The Fianna Fail, which for years refused to enter the Dail unless the oath of allegiance to King George was removed, recently ended its resistance (TIME, Aug. 22), took the oath and its seats at the extreme left of the Dail opposition benches.