HC Deb 16 April 1885 vol 296 c1849
MR. JUSTIN M'CARTHY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that the Rev. Francis Dopping, a Protestant clergyman, who has had for some time police protection in Columbkill, county Longford, is always accompanied by two policemen, while one other is stationed at his lodge; whether, in addition to this police protection, to which no one in the county objects, there is also a parade of four policemen armed with revolvers, every Sunday, at the hours of Divine Service, on the roads which this gentleman has to pass; whether he has ever been insulted or molested during all this time; whether this part of the county is not entirely free from crime or outrage of any kind; and, whether, under the circumstances, the parade of the four policemen with revolvers on Sunday is necessary?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

The protection which is afforded to the rev. gentleman named, which is more or less accurately described in this Question, is believed by those who are responsible for his safety to be absolutely necessary.