HC Deb 10 March 1884 vol 285 c1040
SIR HERVEY BRUCE

asked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, On what grounds Doherty was sent to Sligo for trial, involving large expenditure and great inconvenience to witnesses, instead of sending him for trial at Londonderry, where the alleged offence was committed; and, have the jurors of Londonderry shown themselves unworthy of confidence on any occasion.

MR. HEALY

Before the hon. and learned Gentleman answers the Question, perhaps he will state also why similar cases were brought from Galway to Cork, and from Westmeath and Sligo to Dublin, as also all the other cases in which the venue was changed?

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALKER)

In reply to the hon. Member, I have to say that my hon. and learned Friend the Attorney General for Ireland was of opinion the interests of justice would be better served by trying the prisoner Doherty in some place other than, Londonderry, where considerable excitement on the subject of the riots prevailed, and for that reason he changed the venue to Sligo. I am not aware of any occasion on which the jurors of Londonderry have shown themselves unworthy of confidence.