HC Deb 10 May 1901 vol 93 cc1326-7
MAJOR JAMESON (Clare, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a peaceable meeting of the United Irish League at Mullagh, county Clare, on Sunday, the 28th April last, was dispersed, and Mr. Matthew Kelly, county councillor of county Clare, was prevented addressing his constituents, and that this is the place where a police sergeant and constable were lately dismissed for manufacturing evidence against people; and will he take such steps as may be necessary to prevent police interference with legal meetings, as well as to prevent the liberties of the electors being placed in jeopardy by suborned evidence.

MR. WYNDHAM

The meeting was not allowed to take place in close proximity to the residence of a certain individual in Mullagh; but it was held a mile outside the village, and was not interfered with there. The answer to the second query is in the negative. No steps are called for, since the police do not interfere with legal meetings.

MAJOR JAMESON

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire further into this subject?

MR. WYNDHAM

I do not think that necessary.

MR. ROCHE (Galway, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that at a United Irish League meeting held in county Galway on Sunday last, a policeman struck Mr. Finnerty, D.C., on the face with his clenched hand, and another struck him a heavy blow with a baton on the head; and whether he will state what Mr. Finnerty did to justify the policemen's conduct, and whether he will inquire into this matter.

MR. WYNDHAM

Mr. Finnerty violently resisted the police in the execution of their duty, and in the course of the struggle received a slight blow on the head with a baton. So far as I have been able to ascertain, he was not struck in the face by anyone's fist. The meeting was advertised to be held at Kiltulla. The promoters were informed that no objection would be taken to a meeting there, but were warned that they must not attempt to adjourn it to Carnavelly, in close proximity to the residence of an individual who was entitled to protection from intimidation.