§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary if he would state the circumstances under which two prisoners named Dermody and Hynes were discharged from custody after the acquittal of Dermody in Dublin on the charge of the murder of Police-constable M'Goldrick; whether he was aware that the Attorney - General announced in court that other charges were pending against these men; and whether he would state the nature of these charges, and why they were not proceeded with?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIn addition to the charge of murder against Hynes there remained, after the acquittal of Dermody, outstanding against him and Hynes charges relating to the shooting at the two men Malone and Coady on the same occasion as the murder, though a short time prior to it. On a full consideration of the circumstances the Attorney - General decided not to proceed with the charges undisposed of, inasmuch as there was no evidence available in proof of them, beyond that produced on the trial of Dermody, who was acquitted.
§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary whether he was aware that the night after the discharge of the two prisoners, Dermody and Hynes, charged with the murder of Police-constable M'Goldrick, a crowd assembled on the spot where the constable was murdered, a bonfire was lit, and public rejoicings were indulged in; whether he was aware that Dr. P. J. Quinlan, of Athenry, who gave professional evidence at the trial of Dermody, had since been boycotted and unable to obtain cars in the locality; whether he was aware that on the night of the 10th June shots were fired at a man named Collins when driving to his home at Moyode, and his horse was killed; and whether, in view of the disturbed condition of the districts of Athenry and Craughwell and of certain areas in county Clare, it was intended to take special measures to enforce the law and protect life and property?
§ Mr. BIRRELLUpon the receipt of the news that one of the prisoners indicted for the Craughwell murder had been j acquitted the occasion was celebrated in j the manner stated in the question. An attempt has been made to boycott Dr. Quinlan, who was a Crown witness in the case. As regards Collins, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a question asked yesterday by the hon. and gallant Member for East Down. The condition of the districts referred to is no doubt very bad, and it has been necessary for that reason to retain a considerable force of extra police in Clare and in the East Riding of county Galway.