In 1921 Éamon De Valera sent Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins, Robert Barton, Eamonn Duggan and George Gavan Duffy to the negotiations with the British government in London that led to the Anglo-Irish Treaty. But Dev opted to remain at home.  A century later the Head of State, Michael D Higgins, has followed De Valera’s example.   There is a world of difference in the significance of the decisions. But the conclusion reached, in both situations, is similar. When the choice was between action and inaction, the decision was a polite but firm ‘I’ll let this cup pass.’  President Higgins had been invited by church leaders…

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