Extract from a confidential report from John J. Hearne to Seán Nunan (Dublin)
'Conversation with Ambassador Pandit'¹

Mrs. Pandit² was keenly interested in our general election and the results. She asked me whether I could say who would be Prime Minister when Dáil Éireann met on the following day. I explained the position with regard to the standing of Parties in the Dáil and informed Mrs. Pandit that the election of the Prime Minister would turn on the decision of a number of Independent members. I said that I was unable, at this distance, to say how five or so of the Independents would vote.