HC Deb 19 June 1907 vol 176 cc471-2
Mr. LONSDALE

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Carrick-on-Shannon No. 2 District Council have elected as their chairman Mr. J. J. Doyle, who is at present in Sligo Prison on a charge of intimidation; and whether he will be permitted in virtue of his office to sit as a magistrate at petty sessions.

MR. BIRRELL

I understand that the rural district council named have elected Mr. Doyle to be their chairman. Mr. Doyle is at present in prison in default of finding sureties for good behaviour. If he accepts office as chairman of the district, council he will, under the provisions of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, be a justice of the peace during the term of and by virtue of his office.

MR. CHARLES CRAIG

Does the right hon. Gentleman intend to lay the facts before the Lord Chancellor that this Gentleman has been imprisoned for intimidation?

MR. BIRRELL

That is not so; he is in prison because he does not find sureties for good behaviour.

Mr. CHARLES CRAIG

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the charge against Mr. Doyle was one of unlawful assembly, and is it right that a man so charged should act as a justice of the peace?

MR. BIRRELL

No doubt the Lord Chancellor will do his duty in the matter, but I must point out that Mr. Doyle holds office ex-officio.

MR. CHARLES CRAIG

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring the facts before the Lord Chancellor?

MR. BIRRELL

I see no occasion to do so.