Dáil divided over Cosgrave’s emergency anti-terrorism laws - On This Day in 1976

September 5 1976Not unexpectedly, the Fianna Fail Party took up the stand at the opening of the Dail debate on the Government’s anti-terrorist legislation, yesterday, that the security situation did not require the declaration of a state of emergency, although Mr Jack Lynch was not slow to declare that in opposing the Government’s resolution his party, at the same time, was supporting the Government in its intentions to deal ruthlessly with the members of illegal organisations, the bombers and gunmen.The debate, so far, has been vigorous, indicating the many reservations TDs have about certain provisions. There is a general belief on the Opposition side that the existing laws on the statute book are adequate enough to deal with subversion, if properly executed.The impression from yesterday