HC Deb 20 April 1888 vol 325 cc20-1
MR. CLANCY (Dublin Co., N.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether Dr. Charles Ronayne, of Youghal, has been removed from the Commission of the Peace, on the ground that he issued a counter proclamation to a proclamation issued by Mr. Redmond, R.M. forbidding a recent meeting at Youghal, in which he (Mr. Ronayne) enjoined the preservation of the public peace on the occasion referred to, and was founded not only on personal knowledge, but on the sworn information of the Chairman of the Town Commissioners, while the proclamation of Mr. Redmond, R.M., was issued by a stranger to the locality, and was based on information which has not been disclosed to the public; and, whether Mr. Redmond, R.M., had any more legal authority than Dr. Ronayne for issuing a proclamation of any sort; and, if not, on what ground is it sought to justify the preference shown by the Government for the act of Mr. Redmond, R.M.?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)

The Lord Chancellor informs me that the Resident Magistrate in charge of the district, acting on a sworn information, had proclaimed a meeting as calculated to lead to animosity among different classes, to interfere with the administration of the law, and to lead to a breach of the peace and public disorder. Dr. Ronayne published a counter proclamation, which, in the opinion of the Lord Chancellor, encouraged and supported the meeting, notwithstanding, and in the face of, the proclamation of the Resident Magistrate. The Lord Chancellor considered that Dr. Ronayne's action was calculated to increase the danger of a breach of the peace and the peril of collision, and at the same time to lower the character of the magisterial office. He accordingly superseded him.

MR. CLANCY

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the Question whether Mr. Redmond has any more legal authority than Dr. Ronayne for issuing a proclamation of any sort?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The question of legal authority does not arise in the matter. The point considered by the Lord Chancellor was the probable effect on the peace of the district arising out of the action of Dr. Ronayne.

MR. CLANCY

I beg to give Notice that when the Estimates come on I shall call attention to this and other instances of glaring and gross partizanship on the part of the Government.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell us what authority he has for stating that Mr. Redmond is the Resident Magistrate in charge of the district as he says, considering the fact that Mr, Redmond has adjudicated all over the county and in every county, whereas Dr. Ronayne is resident in the town of Youghal?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I believe I am right in stating that Mr. Redmond is the Resident Magistrate. The hon. Gentleman is perfectly aware that, under existing arrangements, magistrates do move from one district to another.

MR. FLYNN

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain to the House why Mr. Redmond is called a Resident Magistrate?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

That happens to be his legal title.