THE BALLOT: DAYS 12 & 13 OF THE DEBATES

Private Session. Attempts to find common ground have failed. De Valera announces that he proposes to resign as President. In the Public Session he says he no longer has confidence in the members of the Cabinet. He further states that, if re-elected by a majority he will have the right to select his own Cabinet and that he will throw out this Treaty. De Valera’s resignation would require the suspension of Standing Orders. Griffith argues that the matter before the Dáil is in fact the question of ratifying the Treaty and that this matter cannot be derailed. The Speaker rules in his favour. Griffith calls, in an impassioned speech, for the Treaty to be passed. And the vote is taken. The Treaty passes, 64 for, 57 against. Michael Collins asks that a kind of Joint Committee be formed. Mary Mac Swiney is trenchant: there can be no such union. De Valera asks all those who voted against the Treaty to meet with him on the following day. The Dáil has spoken, but there will be no peace.