It is plain that the writer had no inkling of what would happen till it was actually taking place.
No one can overstate the effect of this episode.

Redmond's personal ascendancy in the Convention had become very great.

I am certain there was not a man there but would have said, "If there is to be an Irish Parliament, Redmond must be Prime Minister, and his personality will give that Parliament its best possible chance." The Ulstermen had more than once expressed their view that if Home Rule were sure to mean Redmond's rule, their objections to it would be materially lessened.
Now, they saw Redmond thrown over, and by a combination in which the clerical influence, so much distrusted by them, was paramount.
IV A new stage in the history of the Convention now opens.

In the interval between the meeting which began by Redmond's withdrawal of his amendment and that of the following week, Sir Horace Plunkett went to London and laid the situation before the Prime Minister.

Redmond had also written to Mr.Lloyd George stating that no progress could be made unless Government would declare its intentions as to legislation.