HC Deb 31 March 1884 vol 286 cc1154-5
MR. O'BRIEN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he has received from the Reverend Patrick O'Donnell, C. C., President of the Doon (county Limerick) branch of the Irish National League, a complaint that on the 10th March Constable Brereton refused to withdraw from a meeting of that body held in a private house, when requested by the owner of the house to do so; that at a subsequent meeting on 17th March, Brereton threatened to break in the door when it was closed upon him; that he effected an entrance by a back door in a state of intoxication, and used offensive expressions, and threatened those present with arrest; whether the truth of these complaints is vouched by the Reverend President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the meeting; and, whether their application for a public investiga- tion with respect to the conduct of Brereton will be acceded to?

MR. TREVELYAN

Sir, I did receive such a letter, and I made inquiry on the subject. It is the case that the constable attended a meeting which was being held in a shop, and refused to leave when requested by the committee; and, on a subsequent occasion, he entered the house by a back door. He was not in a state of intoxication; and distinctly denies that he broke or threatened to break open the door, used offensive expressions, or threatened any persons with arrest.

MR. O'BRIEN

Then, Sir, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the mere statement of this policeman is sufficient against the statement of the rev. President, Treasurer, and Secretary of the League; and will there be no inquiry made into this man's most offensive conduct?

MR. TREVELYAN

I did not say that I was depending on him only. I made the statement that he was not intoxicated on the authority of his commanding officer, who was present on the occasion.