asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that George Gilmore, arrested on 11th November, 1926, who was convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment, and is now a prisoner in Mountjoy Jail, is in solitary confinement and has been refused visits and letters for the past nine months; and whether it is the intention of the Minister to order his release.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CASE OF GEORGE GILMORE.
George Gilmore was convicted at the Central Criminal Court on 10th December, 1926, of (1) armed rescue of prisoners on 27th November, 1925; (2) assault; (3) riotous assembly, and (4) wounding on 11th November, 1926, and was sentenced to four terms of eighteen calendar months' imprisonment, all to run concurrently. He is serving his sentence in Mountjoy Prison. He is not in solitary confinement, but as he refused to work, it is only when he is at exercise in the prison grounds that he is associated with other prisoners. If he were willing to work he would, of course, have the further association which is automatically provided by work. As regards letters and visits, these are privileges which prisoners earn by industry and good conduct, and Gilmore by refusing to work is fully aware that he is voluntarily relinquishing such privileges. He was, however, allowed two special visits from his parish clergyman and one from his mother to give them an opportunity of persuading him to abandon his present attitude, but he did not accept their advice. I do not see that this is a case in which recourse should be had to the prerogative of mercy to remit the balance of the sentence.
Does the Minister recognise that this sentence was mainly brought about because George Gilmore did something which some Deputies on the opposite side of the House and, perhaps, all on this side did some time ago, namely, object to the Union Jack?
As a matter of fact, was not the sentence a vindictive one on the part of a British partisan in this country?
No, I am satisfied that no judge in this country would pass a vindictive sentence.
Mr. BOLAND
Do they want to drive this young man mad?