HC Deb 27 June 1889 vol 337 cc886-7
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Fermanagh, N.)

I beg to ask the Solicitor General for Ireland whether the Government intend to proceed with the prosecution of Father Doyle and Father Brown, and the 20 other gentlemen, who were summoned last Thursday, at Archerstown, county Wexford; whether he is aware that large and representative meetings, presided over by the Mayor of Wexford, the Chairman of the Enniscorthy Town Commissioners, and the Chairman of the New Ross Town Commissioners, have been held to protest against the prosecution of Father Doyle, on the ground that Father Doyle has been largely instrumental in maintaining good relations between landlords and tenants in the district; and whether, in view of this, and the great indignation felt all through the district, the Irish Government will order the dis- continuance of the proceedings in question?

* THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN,) University of Dublin

As prosecutions are being instituted, I am precluded from entering into any discussion of the case. The Irish Government see no reason to interfere with the proceedings.

MR. W. REDMOND

Notwithstanding the excitement and widespread indignation which exists throughout the district, I can assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that if these proceedings are allowed to go on I view the possible result with considerable alarm.

* MR. MADDEN

I have already told the hon. Gentleman that, as the case is sub judice, I am precluded from entering into it.

MR. W. REDMOND

In consequence of the reply of the hon. and learned Gentleman I beg to give notice that when the Irish Estimates are brought up I will, on the Vote for the Chief Secretary's salary, call attention to the absolute danger to the public peace entailed as the wanton prosecution of the most respected priests in Ireland, such as Canon Doyle.

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

Can the hon. and learned Gentleman give any information in regard to the statement contained in the close of the second paragraph of the question of my hon. Friend—namely, that Canon Doyle has been largely instrumental in maintaining good relations between the landlords and tenants in the district?

* MR. MADDEN

I can only say that the accused will have the full benefit at the trial of any facts which may be proved in the case.

MR. W. REDMOND

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman say why these proceedings have been postponed until the 4th of July, these gentlemen having been notified some time ago that they would be proceeded against?

* MR. MADDEN

No, Sir; I am not able to say.

MR. W. REDMOND

Then upon my word, I think you ought to be able.

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

In reply to Sir J. SWINBURNE (Staffordshire, Lichfield,)

* MR. MADDEN

stated that all the circumstances of the case had been fully considered by the Law Officers of the Crown.