§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Chief Secretary whether the Irish Local Government Board took any action on the public notice given them to secure the secrecy of the ballot at the recent local government elections; whether they are now convinced of the impropriety of appointing as returning officers county officials interested in the return of particular candidates; whether the Board still sustain those officials unless an action is brought; how many complaints have been received within the last three weeks, notwithstanding this attitude of the Board; and if he will state the result of the complaint relating to the county council election in the Cooraclare Division of Clare?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board have no jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of the Ballot Act with regard to the preservation of the secrecy of the ballot. The appointment of returning officers is vested in the county councils, who are at liberty to appoint either their own officials or such other persons as they desire. It is customary during the progress of each election for the Board to receive complaints from persons who are dissatisfied with the conduct of the elections, and this year has been no exception. The Board have, however, no jurisdiction to inquire into such complaints, as the conduct of the elections can only be questioned on election petition, and they replied to this effect in the case of the complaints made to them as to the proceedings in connection with the election of county councillors for the County Electoral Division of Cooraclare.