Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

The campaign involves mass assemblies and rallies, political lobbying, major protest marches and organised opposition to effect a change in Government policies. The Minister and the Government would have the power to declare such an organisation could be repressed and those organising the anti-household tax organisation could be liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life.

To go back further in history prior to 1939, the campaign of justice by small farmers against land annuities and repayment of the old landlord class to reward them for their crimes or what they did could be suppressed and those leading it could be subject to life imprisonment under this legislation. It is monstrous. It is oppressive and we oppose it.

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