In a decisive move, the United Irish League Convention gathered at the County Court House in Limerick yesterday to choose its parliamentary candidate for East Limerick. Canon Power, presiding over the convention, oversaw the selection process with 870 delegates in attendance. The presence of Mr John Muldoon, MP.., representing the Irish Parliamentary Party, added weight to the proceedings.
Five candidates emerged for consideration: Samuel P. Harris, Thomas Lundon (son of the late member), M. C. Bourke, T. W. W. Bennett, and John Molony. Each candidate pledged allegiance to the party, and Mr Molony, after addressing the convention, gracefully withdrew from the race. A subsequent poll revealed Mr Lundon as the favored candidate, securing 112 votes compared to his competitors: Mr Harris with 11, Mr Bourke with 65, and Mr Bennett with 35.
The convention’s decision was not without controversy, as a meeting of dissatisfied electors convened in Limerick following the event. Speakers at this gathering denounced the earlier proceedings, and a unanimous resolution was adopted, protesting against the perceived shortcomings in the constitution of the convention. Allegations surfaced that it had operated more as a caucus, not fully representative of the constituency’s sentiments.
Critics argued that the convention lacked inclusivity and failed to truly capture the diverse views of the constituents. The dissatisfied electors contended that it had become a closed-door affair, dominated by a select few rather than being a true reflection of democratic processes.
In response to these concerns, a resolution was passed to select Mr John Molony as an alternative candidate. Having withdrawn his candidacy at the convention, Mr Molony now becomes the focus of a committee’s efforts to secure the necessary funds for his candidacy, in a bid to offer the electorate an alternative choice.
This political development in Limerick reflects the nuanced dynamics within the United Irish League and its efforts to navigate the complexities of candidate selection. The controversy surrounding the convention underscores the importance of transparent and inclusive democratic processes, ensuring that the chosen candidate genuinely represents the diverse opinions within the constituency.
As the political landscape in Limerick continues to evolve, the focus remains on the upcoming parliamentary elections, where the selected candidate, Mr Lundon, will strive to articulate the aspirations and concerns of East Limerick constituents on the national stage. The events in Limerick highlight the challenges and intricacies inherent in the democratic process, as various voices within the community seek to find representation in the corridors of power.
Morning Post – Tuesday 01 June 1909
