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INTO THE MAELSTROM: DAYS 1–4 OF THE DEBATES


The Plenipotentiaries have arrived back in Dublin to present the Treaty they have signed for ratification by Dáil Éireann. The Dáil goes into Private Session to discuss matters. Arthur Griffith, for the Delegation, outlines the process that led up to the decision to sign, while De Valera argues, with some force, that they should not have signed and that they had no authority to commit the Dáil to its terms. A bitter argument ensues, about whether or not the Delegation exceeded their authority, with Griffith and Collins, together with Erskine Childers, claiming that they interpreted the meaning of the Cabinet meeting that took place before they returned to London as giving them authority to sign. De Valera, and Cathal Brugha, in particular, deny this. De Valera introduces Document No. 2, his alternative to the Treaty. It is clear that we have, from the outset, the makings of a split.

  • Year
    2023