So far as concerned the provision to give minorities more than their numerical weight, it was agreed that there should be two Houses, with powers of joint session, and with control over money bills conceded to the Upper House.

In the Lower House Unionists should (somehow) get forty per cent, of the representation: so that in the joint session the influences would be equally balanced.
The hitch came over finance.

Nationalists wanted complete powers of taxation, but would agree to a treaty establishing Free Trade between the two countries for a long period.

Ulster wanted a common fiscal control for Great Britain and Ireland.

By November 1st a complete deadlock had been reached.
On that date the Grand Committee met to take stock informally of the position, especially in regard to the procedure of the more detailed sub-committees, and to face the fact that a grave misfortune had befallen us.