HC Deb 15 June 1903 vol 123 c951
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland why the Local Government Board in Ireland have refused to sanction the election of Mr. Flanagan as chairman of the Corofin District Council.

MR. WYNDHAM

The election of chairman of a District Council does not require the sanction of the Local Government Board. But Mr. Flanagan, having been convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment with hard labour, is disqualified by law from being a member of the Corofin District Council.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the peaceful state of affairs in Ireland, the Government cannot do something to remove this disqualification, which causes very widespread dissatisfaction and may cause a great deal of trouble?

MR. WYNDHAM

It is a disability which could only be removed by legislation.