Snippets
Leinster Leader, Saturday 28 February 1903
-Page 3.
THE GREAT MOTOR RACE.
In the House of Commons on Monday night, Mr. James O'Connor
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the
desire in Ireland that the International Automobile Race should
be run in that country, and considering that the local councils
through whose districts the cars will speed were prepared to
take every precaution for the safety of life, he would introduce
a bill to enable the competitors to hold the race in Ireland.
Colonel Saunderson: Before the right hon. gentleman answers
this question may I ask whether His Majesty's Government is
aware that this is one of those rare occasions on which the
Irish people are at one (cheers) - and taking that into consideration,
whether the Government will not give a favourable reply to the
question?
The Chief Secretary: In reply to the supplemental question just
addressed to me I believe that my hon. and gallant friend is
today speaking for the whole of Ireland. (Cheers and laughter).
I understand that a bill has been drafted and introduced by
Mr. Scott Montagu, and in view of this unanimous desire, which
is shared by all the local bodies representing the districts
through which the proposed route will run, and by all the members
of Irish constituencies without distinction of party, I may
venture to express the hope on the part of the Government that
such a bill may be regarded as non-controversial.
Mr. P. O'Brien: Will the Government make the bill their own?
The Chief Secretary: I do not like to contemplate the possibility
of those not directly interested in Ireland opposing a bill
brought forward with the unanimous support of the Irish members.
I still hope that it may pass by consent. No one can be interested
in opposing it.