Galway In Days Gone By

Saorstát election

As the people of Ireland are settling down to enjoy the first holiday in peace they have been able to secure for something like seven years, they find themselves suddenly projected into the throes of a General Election.

The Oireachtas that has worked almost continuously for the greater part of a year, and that has passed important legislative measures almost before the people had time to realise what was happening, comes to an end with this week.

Three weeks from Monday next, the electors of Saorstát Éireann, or so many of them as have not elected to remain interned or on holidays, will be called upon to choose 153 teachtaí, or 25 more than there are in the present Dáil.

County Galway will be one vast constituency, and the choice of the electors will be extended to two additional members under the P.R. System.

It is stated that little interest is taken in the election, and that there will be a small poll. In Galway, we find that considerable interest is taken in it, and that there is every prospect of a good average poll.

The truth is that the election has been rushed with almost precipitate haste. The Irish people object to being rushed into anything without due and proper notice: and there is everything to be said for their policy of proceeding slowly and with caution.

Pictured: Miss Mary Furlong, Renmore, and Mrs. Mary O'Sullivan, Monksfield, Salthill, at the Galway Races on July 31, 1973.