HC Deb 07 February 1881 vol 258 cc256-7
MR. O'SULLIVAN

asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, If it is true that a constable of police entered a private room belonging to the Land League at Dromcolliher, county Limerick, on Tuesday last, and, when remonstrated with for remaining therein uninvited, he stated lie would remain there until he was forcibly ejected; and, if it is true that the parish priest was in the chair at the time, and that there were also present priests, professional men, and some of the largest farmers in the district?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. LAW)

I find on inquiry that what occurred on the occasion referred to by the hon. Member was this —two constables, having reason to believe that a so-called Land League Court was to be held in a public-house, at Drumcolliher, went there to attend, and insisted on their right to remain. A difference of opinion then arose among the members as to their acquiescing in the constables' presence and proceeding with their business accordingly—some of the body even offered the constables seats— but ultimately the Land Leaguers left the public-house for the private house of one of themselves, and there, of course, the constables did not follow them.