1 GLENA, BOOTERSTOWN, CO. DUBLIN. 27th Mar. 1916. Irish Office, Old Queen Street, London, S.W. Dear Mr Birrell, I beg of you very earnestly to consider the claims
of Mr Charles P. O'Neill, Solicitor, for the position vacant in
consequence of Sir Malachy Kelly's death. Mr O'Neill is a Dublin
Solicitor of many years experience in his profession. His
political services constitute a very strong claim on our support.
In 1911 he wrested the Pembroke District of Dublin from the Tories,
a feat which many people regarded as impossible, and as Chairman
of that District Council has conducted its public affairs with marked
ability and success. On every occasion he has been a strong and
uncompromising supporter of the policy of the Irish Nationalist
party and, therefore, if political services are to count for anything,
Mr O'Neill's claims as a public man plus his admitted standing as a
Solicitor fully justify his appointment as Sir Malachy Kelly's
successor. I quite appreciate what your difficulty may be in view
of the fact that a Coalition Government is in office. I would point
out, however, the undesirability of appointing a Tory as Chief Crown
Solicitor for Ireland. This office brings its holder into very
close touch with the people and with the Government of this country 2 and the appointment of one holding political views contrary to the
majority of Irishmen must inevitably prove unfortunate and
prejudicial to the best interest of the country. I have, therefore,
ventured to press very strongly upon you that a Home Ruler should
be given this position and that Mr O'Neill possesses all the
qualifications necessary for it. Yours truly, Patrick J Brady.