A lone voice.

From the PPP a report of a meeting of Queen's County ( Laois ) County Council, May 1920.

Councillor Mitchell attempted to introduce political business by drawing attention to the burning of the barracks of the Royal Irish Constabulary, he stated that since all the police barracks were destroyed he wanted to know who was going to pay for the destruction of the buildings. He wanted to register a protest "at this most blackguard piece of business, it did no good to anyone by blowing up a lot of empty buildings, on whose authority is this action carried out, de Valera and Sinn Fein have a lot to answer for and I for one will not be intimidated by them or their likes" and he warned that claims had been lodged seeking compensation for the owners of the barracks for the sum of about £80,000. Mr Mitchell wanted to know who was going to pay.

Mr Cobbe advised that it would be advisable not to have anything to say on that business.

The Chairman added that it would be wiser to leave the matter alone.

Mr Booth advised that it would be better to let the matter drop altogether.

Mr Cobbe further advise that a shut mouth is the best policy in the present circumstances The Secretary commented that it would be of no use to discuss the matter.

The matter was then dropped.

[Note added 2011. This report to which was added Mr Mitchell's home address was forwarded to Captain Bolton, the Sinn Fein commanding officer in the Killeshin district advising that this person be dealt with].

Transcribed by M. Purcell c2011.
Old newspapers in the PPP.

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