§ MR. MAINS (Donegal, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the present practice in Ireland in respect of the appointment of Sheriffs is that the acting Sheriff of each county gives to the Judge of Assize three names from which the Lord Lieutenant is to select the Sheriff for the next year; and whether either the executive or the people have any further voice in such appointments?
MR. J. MORELEYThe names in connection with the appointment of Sheriff are sent up to the Lord Lieutenant by the Judges. The usage has always been for the Lord Lieutenant to select the Sheriff from amongst the names so sent up, and such usage is laid down by the highest authority as having the force of Common Law. In the English Act of 1887 the corresponding usage in England is recognised and is made statutable. The powers of the Lord Lieutenant in the matter are, as I have shown, restricted and limited.
§ MR. CARSON (Dublin University)Is this appointment a very much coveted one?