§ MR. FLYNNI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in reference to the arrest of Mr. James O'Brien, of Killeagh, at last Youghal (County Cork) Fair, if he can now state what charge was preferred against this gentleman; is it a fact that, he was charged with jostling a policeman who was shadowing him through the fair; and why was Mr. O'Brien arrested in a summary manner, and not summoned in the ordinary way.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Constabulary Authorities report that the man was arrested on the charge of obstructing Constable Quinn in the execution of his duty, and for conduct calculated to lead to a breach of the peace. It is not a fact that he was charged as alleged in the second paragraph. He was arrested 51 because, owing to the persistency of his conduct, the constable was unable to discharge his duty.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have done so; he was charged with obstructing the police, and his conduct was calculated to lead to a breach of the peace.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have already said that because of the persistency of his conduct the constable was unable to discharge his duties.
§ MR. DILLONWhat duty was the constable discharging?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI must have notice of that question.
§ MR. FLYNNIs there any doubt in the right hon. Gentleman's mind that he was shadowing Mr. O'Brien?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI cannot say that. I have no doubt he was watching boycotting at the fair, but I cannot say if he was following this particular man.