“If war comes upon us, it will come as a thief in the night.” –Éamon de Valera

Éamon de Valera’s title was not recognised by Britain. He would remain President until defeated upon the vote on the Treaty in January 1922. The history of Ireland is full of many grim ironies. He was proposed for President by Sean Macon and seconded by Richard Mulcahy — both of whom later line up against him in the Civil War.