Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: In August 1921 , de Valera made the DÃ il upgrade his office from Prime Minister to President of the Irish Republic , which ostensibly made him equivalent to George V in the negotiations .
Simplified: In August 1921 , Eamonn de Valera made the DÃ il upgrade his office from Prime Minister to President of the Irish Republic . This made him on the same level as George V in the negotiations .