The Irish Times
21 April 1925

The visit of Mr. Saklatvala, member of Parliament for North Battersea, to Dublin has created only a languid interest among the general public. He is an Indian Communist, whose ideal of government is the Soviet, and his trip to the Free State last Sunday was undertaken, apparently, with a view to the encouragement of Bolshevist principles in this country. Mr. Saklatvala was accompanied by Mr. Robert Stewart, of Dundee, also a Communist. A meeting was held in Sackville Street, under the shade of a crimson banner which was sent by the Russian proletariat to its Irish comrades; and after Mr. Saklatvala had spoken for two tedious hours, Mr. Stewart announced that before the end of next month he would have founded an organisation in the Free State for the purpose of promoting the interests of a Workers' Republic. Both speakers declared that they were advocating the principles of the late James Connolly. The revolutionary method, said Mr. Saklatvala, was the only course that could befriend the labouring classes. If the workers wanted the land, said Mr. Stewart, let them take it, and legalise their action afterwards. The workers of Dublin had heard that sort of thing before last Sunday. They know precisely how much it is worth, and the amusement with which they listened to Mr. Saklatvala's vapourings was significant of their attitude towards him and his like. Dublin has had a taste of Communism and wants no more.

Historical Note
Shapurja Saklatvala was a visitor to Ireland on a least two occasions. Robert Stewart was based over here at the time, but left shortly afterwards following disagreements with Jim Larkin (a not uncommon occurrence). Both were back over in 1927 along with Willie Gallacher to assist Larkin in the election of that year.

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