§ Colonel ASHLEYasked the Attorney-General for Ireland what steps he proposes to take to secure freedom to Irish electors in the choice of their representatives, in view of the fact that on 2nd June, in the Westmeath County and District Council Elections, the Sinn Fein candidates were elected through the intimidation practised by the members of the Irish Republican Army, who took complete charge of the polling booths under the Republican flag and conveyed the ballot boxes to the counting hall?
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§ Mr. HENRYNo complaint has been received of any intimidation or interference at the County Westmeath Elections, the polling for which took place on 31st ultimo, not on 2nd instant. The ballot boxes were conveyed from outlying districts by motor-cars accompanied by the presiding officers and agents. In some instances there were escorts of Sinn Feiners with the ballot boxes. No such body as that alleged in the question took control of the polling booths. A Sinn Fein flag was flown over the County Hall, Mullingar, in which there was a polling booth.