HC Deb 14 June 1883 vol 280 cc543-4
MR. O'BRIEN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is the fact that the inquiry ordered by the Local Government Board into the conduct of the returning officer at the recent election of Poor Law guardians for the division of Greenan, in the union of Omagh, has been postponed by the inspector, Mr. Armstrong, for the convenience of the Conservative guardian who was declared elected; whether the intended postponement was only communicated to the persons impugning the election on the previous day, and was followed by a second communication, intimating that Mr. Armstrong would sit as originally arranged; whether he is aware that, on the faith of the latter announcement, they at great expense and inconvenience brought their solicitor and witnesses into Omagh on the day named, when the returning officer, whose conduct alone was in question, was also in attendance; whether no evidence was in fact taken; and, whether, in view of Mr. Armstrong's local associations, the Local Government Board will take steps to have the inquiry speedily conducted by an officer unconnected with the locality?

MR. TREVELYAN

The right of Mr. William Deazley to act as Guardian was questioned by Mr. Joseph Slevin on the alleged ground that he had not obtained a majority of valid votes. This was the matter which the Inspector, Mr. Armstrong, was directed to inquire into. The circumstances connected with the postponement are explained in the following telegram received from Mr. Armstrong:— I fixed 7th instant for inquiry. On previous day I heard from Deazley that he had gone to Donegal on urgent business and could not attend. I at once wired to Mr. Slevin that I must postpone. Ho wired back protesting. I answered I would attend and hear what was to be said. I opened inquiry and adjourned it until 21st, as I did not think it right to proceed without Deazley. I took no evidence. No doubt solicitor and several witnesses attended; but I think that was owing to Slevin not understanding second telegram. The Local Government Board are of opinion that Mr. Armstrong was fully justified in postponing the inquiry, and they do not consider it necessary to direct another Inspector to conduct it.