Senators, the Gallic question is one that requires addressing that is sure. It would be foolish of us to not consider them a threat; however, at least two of the Consulate candidates have put forward their plans for dealing with this potential threat – the raising of a third legion.

The Gauls live in the fertile plains to our North and whilst they are a warrior culture I believe that this, coupled with the fact that their Nation is still divided, according to the maps I have at hand, means that it is unlikely that they will make the massive military push against us that some Senators believe.

The most I think they will do is to expand South into Ariminum but surely their priority would be to attempt to re-connect their territories by striking West and taking Massilia and Comata. I suspect they do not see us as a threat as yet, they will do when we absorb Ariminum and Arretium into the Republic but at that time we will have our Third Legion and be more than capable of defeating a Gallic army fully twice the size of our Legion.

Senator Tiberius, whilst it will be possible for the Gauls to raise a significant army, they have but three settlements of minor size within a seasons march of Ariminum. Their other settlements are beyond the Alps and cannot directly support those settlements closer to our homes. Even if they manage to raise an army of note and IF they have need to march that army South then I am not unduly concerned, I am very confident that any of the Senators of the lower house will be fully capable of defeating such an army with only one full Legion.

I suggest that the best way to assuage your worries is to vote YES to the raising of a Third Legion and to vote for the best Consul who can lead our, then three, Legions to the security and glory of Rome and the Republic. May I suggest voting for Tiberius Coruncanius, who has the correct mix of Youth, ambition and tactical knowledge to best fulfil such a task.

I am confident though, that whomever the Senate votes to be our Consul, will not “forget” the Gallic question and with support from the Senate will raise a third legion to answer that question.