Fisher Committee Report
Introduction
from Chronology
The Fisher committee (see Apr-18-20/1) reports and
says that the Dublin Castle Administration is a shambles and recommends the
appointment of a 'powerful civil servant'.
More Detail
Fisher’s
committee consisted of himself, A.W. Cope and R. G Harwood.
Fisher’s report
was damning, they found “absolute chaos in Ireland”. The report says that “The Castle
Administration does not administer”. It says
that, along with lacking in administrative capacity, “in the infinitely more
important sphere” of advising policy “it simply has no existence” (Fanning
(2013), pg 227).
The committee suggested the removal of John Taylor. The report criticizes
McMahon but recommends his retention. It
also recommends new blood be brought into the Castle – See See May-22-20/1.
Also,
interestingly, on May 15th, Fisher writes to Llyod George, Bonar Law
and Austen Chamberlain pointing out the fundamental flaw of the Government of
Ireland Bill: “It seems to have no friends in Ireland. The ascendancy party would no doubt prefer
the status quo, plus universal coercion; the nationalists and moderate Sinn Féiners would apparently be content with something along
the lines of Dominion Home Rule.” (Fanning (2013), pg
229).
In addition, he
says “the Government of Ireland strikes one as almost woodenly stupid and
devoid of imagination” (O’Halpin (1987), pg 207). He also
deplored the blanket ban on Sinn Féin and Dáil Éireann
and, in particular, the lack of distinction made between the militant and
moderate wings within the republican movement.
With regards to the banning of Sinn Féin, he says that it is “as if
retired warriors and dowager ladies who denounce socialism in England were to
secure the banning of the Labour Party”. He continued that Sinn Féin was a political
party. “The fact that Sinn Fein includes
amongst its ideals ultimate separation from Great Britain is no argument for
withholding recognition of Sinn Fein as a political party. It is a political party, however much people
may dislike it” (Townshend (2014), pg 141). See also O’Halpin
(1987), pg 208 and Matthews (2004), pg
37).
See also Fisher’s letter of November 18th
1921 - Nov-18-21/2.