§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, whilst Nationalists and Liberals form seven-eighths of the population of county Sligo, the Unionists have a preponderating majority on the magisterial bench; and, if so, whether he will see that the gentlemen whose names have already been submitted to the Lord Chancellor for appointment will be appointed?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am not aware of the various political views held by the people referred to. The Lord Chancellor informs me that he will duly consider the names submitted to him in connection with the county Sligo magistracy.
§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. Eugene M'Donough was recently elected Petty Sessions clerk for the district of Ballymote, county Sligo, by a large majority, and that, nevertheless, the election was afterwards set aside on the grounds that some of the magistrates were not qualified to vote although they had given several attendances during the past two years; whether he can say on whose authority this election was set aside; and whether, taking all the circumstances of this case into account, he will order a new election?
§ Mr. BIRRELLAn election for a Petty-Sessions clerk for the district named was held on the 22nd August. Thirteen magistrates voted for Mr. M'Donough and seven voted for the other candidate. The votes of eight of the magistrates were not valid in consequence of their not being resident in the Petty Sessions district and not being qualified by attendance to vote. A fresh election was therefore ordered by the Lord Lieutenant.