Distributed for University College Dublin Press
Free State or Republic?
The Centenary Classics series examines the fascinating time of change and evolution in the Ireland of 100 years ago during the 1916-23 revolutionary period. Each volume is introduced by Fearghal McGarry who sets the scene of this important period in Ireland’s history. Free State or Republic? provides eye-witness accounts by two reporters from the Irish Independent newspaper of the historic Treaty debates of Dail Eireann, held in University College Dublin’s Earlsfort Terrace building in December 1921 and January 1922. Eamon de Valera, Michael Collins, Arthur Griffith and a host of other participants come to life. The colourful descriptions of the scene and of the reactions to speeches, written while the debates were in progress, are far more revealing than the published record of the debates. This book was originally published in 1922 and the introduction by Patrick Murray constructs a modern analysis of these lively debates.
Table of Contents
Series Introduction Introduction by Patrick Murray Free State or Republic - An Dail Assembles The Treaty Moves Lady Creates a Scene Alderman Cosgrave’s Humour A Day of Fervid Oratory After the Recess A Dramatic Scene A Day of Sensations De Valera’s Resignation The Fateful Division De Valera’s Defeat for Presidency Griffith Elected President Ard-Chomhairle Treaty Formally Ratifies The Division.