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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Nov 1922

Vol. 1 No. 32

NEWSPAPER REPORTS.

I feel that it is necessary for me to draw the attention of this Dáil, and perhaps more particularly the members of the Press, to the statement which has been credited to me as a result of the discussion which took place in this Dáil last night. I have been credited with the very doubtful privilege of supporting the motion which was introduced here by Deputy Gavan Duffy. I feel, as I am sure every other member of the Dáil feels, that it is quite enough for me and for the other members of the Dáil to be called upon from to time to answer to those to whom we are responsible for our own statements and our own actions, and I think it is very unfair that I should be credited in to-day's papers with making a speech which I never delivered in this Dáil. I feel I should stress this matter, as it is the second occasion on which it has occurred, and I hope I will never again be called upon to do penance or to give an explanation to the people I represent for statements I have not made.

I desire to say that I note in to-day's "Freeman" and "Independent" that there was a speech delivered here yesterday which was credited to Mr. Davin, but which was made by me. I accept full responsibility for it, and I make no withdrawal in any shape or form. The only thing I regret is that the speech was not published in full and it would give a better opinion and show that there are at least some members——

The explanation is now complete.

I must say, with your permission, that the speech was credited to me in the "Irish Times." I intended raising this matter prior to Mr. Davin having raised it. On a couple of occasions before a speech that was made by Mr. Hughes was attributed to me.

That was a greater wrong.

And part of a speech made by Mr. Lyons was attributed to me as well. I must say that that report did not appear in the official debates; but in one case a remark that Mr. Lyons made was credited to me, and that appeared in the official reports as well. I would like, anyhow, in the future that the Press would give at least a fair account of what happens here. I am not saying but that there may be obstacles in the way. Quite recently I accosted some newspaper representatives, and they told me it was due to the censorship. I made a speech here some time ago, and I explained what I meant to convey, but that was not conveyed in the Press in the way I would like it to be conveyed. I mention the matter now, and I hope in the future, at any rate, we will all be credited with what we say, and I accept full responsibility.

My attention has been drawn to a paragraph in this day's paper also, giving to Mr. Davin credit for a statement that was made by me. I really do not know what is coming over the Press. I think they must be trying to act the Eloquent Dempsey—trying to pull between two stools. I hope in the future the Press will be more careful, and if any gentleman has the courage to speak he should get the full credit of it.

Personally, I admire the discretion of the Press.

If any mistakes have occurred in the official reports they can be remedied by the Deputies when they get the reports, and the matter can be made right before the reports take a permanent form.

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