HC Deb 18 June 1907 vol 176 cc341-2
MR. CHARLES CRAIG

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what decision he has arrived at with reference to the speech of Mr. P. J. Kelly, J.P., delivered at New Inn, county Galway, on 2nd inst., in which he incited his hearers to treat Lord Ashtown in the same way as John Blake, who was shot dead in 1883, was treated; and whether Mr. Kelly is still a justice of the peace.

MR. BIRRELL

It has been decided to institute criminal proceedings in this case. Under the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1898, Mr. Kelly is a justice of the peace by virtue of his office as chairman of a rural district council.

MR. CHARLES CRAIG

Is Mr. Kelly to be deprived of his office of justice of the peace?

MR. BIRRELL

Pending the proceedings it would obviously be improper to take any action in the matter.