AS THE 31st Dáil prepares to meet on Wednesday, a memento recalling some of Ireland’s very first TDs has turned up at the saleroom of Oliver Usher auctioneers in Kells, Co Meath.

An autograph album containing the signatures of some of the State’s founding fathers has been consigned to sale and will be auctioned on Tuesday. It is estimated to fetch between €1,500-€2,000 although Usher’s believes it could go much higher.

Some of the autographs were obtained on, and dated, 9th January 1922 – when the Dáil was in turmoil over the ratification of the Anglo-Irish Treaty to end the War of Independence.

Of greatest interest is the autograph of Michael Collins – signed in Irish as Micheál O’Coileann – who was TD for a constituency called Cork Mid/North /South /South East and West. Others include Arthur Griffith (Cavan) who signed in both English and Irish; and Piaras Béaslaí (Kerry/Limerick West).

The album also contains some later autographs including that of former Fine Gael Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave.

Auctioneer Oliver Usher said the vendor had inherited the album from a family friend who feels that the time is right to sell it.