In a statement which he made in the Dail yesterday, on the armed raid on the National Magazine at Christmas, Mr F. Aiken, who is the Minister for Defence, declared that what had occurred had given him a most terrible shock.
Having paid tribute to the loyalty and discipline of the Army, Mr Aiken said that there was no excuse for what had taken place.
Fortunately, he said, it was only a "stunt," put into action without full consideration of the ultimate consequences, and added that it was fortunate that something had not been attempted which would put more serious consequences on the people.
Speaking on the measure before the House - the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Bill - he expressed the hope that little call would be made upon the Government's powers of internment. He did not like it, but in the last analysis it would be better that a situation should not be allowed to arise in which the Government would have to use force against force.
If the powers of jailing and internment did not put an end to illegal activities and revolutionary activities, worse consequences might befall the country.
The Irish Times, January 5th, 1940.