HC Deb 09 April 1869 vol 195 c566

THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. SULLIVAN) moved for a Royal Commission in the case of the borough of Sligo. Mr. Justice Keogh had reported that corrupt practices extensively prevailed at the last election for that borough. The learned Judge had also reported that intimidation had likewise prevailed at the Sligo Election, though not on the same side as the corrupt practices; but it would not be competent for him, under the Act of Parliament, to make the intimidation a subject of reference to the Royal Commissioners.

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as followeth:

Most Gracious Sovereign,

We, Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in Parliament assembled, beg leave humbly to represent to Your Majesty, that the Right honourable William Keogh, one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas in Ireland, and one of the Judges selected for the trial of Election Petitions in Ireland, pursuant to the Parliamentary Elections Act, 1868, has reported to the House of Commons, that corrupt practices have extensively prevailed at the last Election for the Borough of Sligo,

We therefore humbly pray Tour Majesty, that Your Majesty will be graciously pleased to cause inquiry to be made pursuant to the Provisions of the Act of Parliament passed in the sixteenth year of the reign of Your Majesty, intituled, "An Act to provide for more effectual inquiry into the existence of Corrupt Practices at Elections for Members to serve in Parliament," by the appointment of Denis Caulfield Heron, LL.D., one of Her Majesty's Counsel, John Alexander Byrne, esquire, Barrister at Law, and William R. Bruce, esquire. Barrister at Law, as Commissioners for the purpose of making inquiry into the existence of such corrupt practices.

Address to be communicated to The Lords, and their concurrence desired thereto.—(Mr. Attorney General for Ireland.)