HC Deb 04 March 1887 vol 311 c1261
MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the Lords Justices of Ireland have assigned the alleged illegality of the Plan of Campaign as the cause for the supersession of Sir Thomas Esmonde in the office of High Sheriff of the county of Waterford; whether two of the three Lords Justices who superseded Sir Thomas Esmonde—namely, Lord Ashbourne and Lord Justice Fitzgibbon—are members of the Appellate Court by which any appeal as to the legality of the Plan of Campaign would have to be determined; and, whether care will be taken in future not to select for the office of Lord Justice in Ireland any judicial person who, by virtue of his power as a Judge, would be in a position to reverse his own conduct as Lord Justice?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)

(who replied) said: The Lords Justices of Ireland, two of whom are members of the Appellate Court, have assigned as the cause for the supersession of Sir Thomas Esmonde the illegality of the Plan of Campaign, as to which no doubt exists. Of course, questions may arise as to the criminality of individuals engaging in it; but such questions can never come for decision before the Appellate Court.