Evening star., 1927-04-17
FREE STATE PARTY
LIKELY TO RETURN
Present Officials of Ireland
Stand Good Chance in
Coming Election.
Dy the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
DUBLIN. Irish Free State, April 1G.
When Frederick A. Sterling pre-
sents his credentials in July as the
first United States Minister to the
Saorstat he likely win face the exist
ing government, despite the coming
general elections.
OF the halfdozen parties that are
appealing to the electorate, the Gu
mann nan Ghaedheal, the only party
supporting the government. Is the nhIN
one putting forward enough Cahsr.-
dates to obtain a majority In the Dan.
All the other parties are urging the
electors merely TO strengthen the op'
position.
Hitherto the government party mas
had the support of Just over half OF
the members of the Dali willing TO
take part in its proceedings. The gov
ernment party has thus been able to
carry its measures even without the
aid of other sections of the Dali, winch,
though not belonging to it, are in
general sympathy with its policy
Measures Before Party.
Before the Dali has been approached
with any government proposal the
propoSal has been submitted TO prl-
vate meeting of the government party
and debated there so as TO secure una
nimity. Hence the government has
been able to put through a great body
Of important legislation.
The multiplication of parties ap-
healing to the electors threatens TO
disturb the effective working, or TINS
plan, for it is recognized that there
is a possibility that the government
candidates, though they may remain
the largest party in the house, may
- SyY FYrf
sure majority in it.
The chances of an election conducted
bv proportional representation IN
crease the probability of the emerg-
enca Of several groups, none or them
able alone to carry on the government.
Some form of coalition is forecast,
therefore, and all the political speeches
of cabinet ministers contain warnings
to the electors against the dlsadVant-
ages of coalition and the consequent
necessity of conciliating individual in
terests so as to secure a working
majority for the ministry.
No evidence is apparent Of a desire
to displace President Cosgraye or his
principal colleagues. But there IS
clear intention to weaken the support
hitherto accorded to them in the Dail.
40 as 10 make them more responsive
20 external criticism.
De Valera OH Outside.
De Valera and his new party of
Fianna Fail stands outside all this.
Unlike the others, he is aiming at
majority and would be prepared to
carry on the government, provided
tyie oath of allegiance to King George
prescribed by the constitution were
first abolished.
From the point Of view Of strict law,
WIRE the oath remains it would not
matter whether De Valera succeeded
or failed in securing a majority. Only
those members satisfying the condi-
ditions of the constitution would be
entitled to form a ministry. But he
feels that il once the people, by giving
a. ma ajority for the abolition of the
oath, had declared it's will it would in
practice be impossible for any party,
or collection CT parties, together repre- |
senting minority of the electorate, |
to carry on.
De Valera's chances are embarrassed |
by the fact that the official Sim Fein
organization. which he left, will put /
up candidates of its own in many con- |
stituencies. They will stand ON a COM |
pletely unchanged Republican plat |
form, declining under any clrcum- |
stances, oath or no oath, to assist In
working the Free State government. !