This dramatic change produced a considerable effect on British opinion.
Redmond, speaking at a luncheon given to the winner, Mr.Hogg, indicated the lines on which he was disposed to bargain.

He would be willing to give Ulster more than its proportional share of representation in the Irish Parliament.
The debate in the House of Lords was marked by certain speeches which showed that public opinion had moved considerably.

Lord Dunraven declared for the Second Reading, though pressing all the line of objection to the Bill which had been taken by Mr.O'Brien and his party.
He heaped scorn also as an Irishman upon "this absurd theory of two nations which is only invented to make discord where accord would naturally be." Lord MacDonnell, whose administrative experience could no more be questioned than his genius for administration, held that though amendment was needed the framework of the Bill was good, and that urgent necessity existed for the change to self-government.

He alluded to the opinion expressed by Mr.Balfour in 1905, that the proper way of reforming Dublin Castle was by increasing the power of the Chief Secretary and his Under-Secretary, and thereby getting a stronger grip on the various departments of the "complicated system" prevailing.

"I thought so too," said Lord MacDonnell, who in 1905 as Under-Secretary had tried his hand at this reform.