HC Deb 22 June 1888 vol 327 cc972-3
MR. JORDAN (Clare, W.)

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention has been directed to a paragraph in The Freeman's Journal of the 18th instant, in which it is stated:— That after the public bellman had announced through the streets of Kilrush, County Clare, the result of the Election for the Ayr Burghs, a patrol of police paraded the streets carrying revolvers and truncheons. In the market square a group, rejoicing at the result of the election, was attacked by the police, and a man named Masterson was arrested. On Masterson protesting against the arrest and refusing to go to the barracks excitement ensued, and four policemen drew their revolvers, presented them at the crowd, declaring they would fire if interfered with, one constable striking Masterson on the head with his baton," &c. And, whether these statements are true; and, if so, will he take steps to prevent interference by the police with people expressing their satisfaction at apolitical victory.

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

, in reply, said, the District Inspector reported there was no truth in the statements of the newspaper paragraph. The actual circumstances were these—About 8 p.m., and two and a-half hours after the bell-man had made the announcement, a patrol of three constables went out in the ordinary way armed with revolvers. Masterson, who was drunk, accosted them in the street. They told him to go home. He then attacked them, and they arrested him for being drunk and disorderly. The crowd began to throw stones. One of the police struck Masterson, who had hold of another constable by the throat at the time. More stones were thrown. The police drew their revolvers, and the crowd fell back. Masterson was brought to the barrack and subsequently discharged.

THE LORD MAYOR OF DUBLIN (Mr. SEXTON) (Belfast, W)

Is it the ordinary way for patrols of police to go armed with revolvers in Ireland?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

said, the way in which the police were attacked showed it was necessary they should be armed.