William Cosgrave, the newly-elected MP for Kilkenny North, has issued a statement on his election, from Reading Prison, where he is currently incarcerated.

The wire received on Dec. 6 announcing my unopposed return was the first news of any contest., and was entirely unexpected, as it was not generally thought here that there would be a walk-over. To me, personally, it is very gratifying but the honour lies with you all in Kilkenny, to all of whom you will kindly give my sincere thanks; also to the people in whom we have such confidence and of whose proud loyalty and of the cause of Ireland we have had such a splendid example, my deep gratitude is due.