§ 9. Sir JOHN LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that six men who, at the last Winter Assizes in Dublin, received sentences of six months' imprisonment with hard labour, have been released by order of the Lord Lieutenant after having served only one-third of their sentences; that at the trial of these men Mr. Justice Kenny stated that thirteen cattle drives had occurred in the Geashill district of King's County in the previous eighteen months, and that in the drive which was the subject of the prosecution six policemen were wounded; that the men released, with thirty-nine others who were discharged, pleaded guilty to charges of riot and assault; if he is aware that Thomas Hynes, who struck four policemen with an iron bar, was on the same occasion sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment with hard labour, and if his sentence has been reduced; and if Mr. Justice Kenny was consulted and recommended these acts of clemency?
§ Mr. RUSSELLThe facts are generally as stated in the question. It would be altogether irregular for me to give the reasons underlying the exercise by the Lord Lieutenant of his prerogative of mercy, but I may say that an opportunity was given to the judge who tried the case to express his views with regard to such exercise. No order has yet been issued as to the prisoner Thomas Hynes.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the persons released was a county councillor, and can he say what answer has been given to the representations that he should be granted a free pardon?
§ Mr. RUSSELLI am generally aware of the facts of those cases, but I am not at liberty to enter into them.
§ Sir J. LONSDALECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not an answer has been given?
§ Mr. RUSSELLNo, I cannot.