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Electoral Turmoil Unfolds in Limerick County Court | Limerick Archives

Electoral Turmoil Unfolds in Limerick County Court

In a notable session at the County Crown Court in Limerick, Judge Law Smith presided over the revision of the Parliamentary voters lists for the city. This sparked unusual interest due to the ongoing power struggle between the United Irish Leaguers and the All-for-Irelanders. The courtroom witnessed the professional representation of both factions, adding to the intrigue surrounding the proceedings.

Judge Law Smith opened the session by acknowledging the considerable attention the sitting had garnered, fuelled by the political contest between the two factions. The focus of the day was the revision of the voters’ lists, a critical aspect in the lead-up to elections.

Addressing the courtroom, His Honour noted that there were 1,612 objections and claims listed for revision, with a significant portion attributed to lodgers. This brought the total number of cases to 2,332, creating a substantial workload for the court. Drawing from the precedent set in Belfast, Judge Law Smith declared that the burden of proof would rest on the objectors, a decision that set the tone for the proceedings.

In alignment with the adopted practice in Belfast, Judge Law Smith announced that night sittings would be scheduled to address claims and objections efficiently. This procedural measure aimed to manage the substantial caseload and ensure a thorough and fair examination of each case.

The courtroom witnessed the commencement of the hearing for claims and objections, with Judge Law Smith actively disposing of several cases. The legal proceedings also introduced novel points of law, contributing to the complexity of the electoral dispute.

Representing the United Irish Leaguers, Mr P. O’Sullivan, solicitor, took on a crucial role in presenting their case, while Mr J. H. Moran, solicitor, stood as the representative for the opposing faction. The legal representatives played a pivotal role in navigating the intricacies of electoral law and presenting the interests of their respective clients.

As Limerick County Court became the stage for this electoral drama, the outcome of the revision process promised to shape the political landscape in the city. With the burden of proof squarely placed on the objectors, the courtroom drama unfolded against the backdrop of a city grappling with political tensions and the fervour of democratic processes.

Dublin Daily Express – Saturday 17 September 1910

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