sentences:  When the First Dáil established a separatist Irish Republic in 1919, the younger Robbins worked in the Dáil government's Department of Finance.He was nominated as a Sinn Féin candidate in the Longford–Westmeath constituency in the 1921 general election.Arthur Griffith suggested that, if elected, he be excused attendance at the Dáil in order to continue working for the Department of Finance; Michael Collins overruled Griffith.