At least one member of the Government is suspected to have sympathies with the Irish Orangemen, who accuse the Chief Secretary of betraying the Protestant minorities in Limerick and Sligo. However, it is unclear if this member will let their sympathies influence their actions or openly declare their allegiance, as doing so could risk their position and potentially damage their hopes for a Cabinet seat.
Chief Secretary Mr Wyndham personally commands a significant following among his party’s rank and file, even more so than some of his official superiors. It is widely expected that Mr Wyndham will quietly but firmly refuse to bow to the fanatical clamor from the Irish Orangemen. By doing so, Mr Wyndham should be able to maintain his popularity and standing within the party, despite any internal tensions regarding the treatment of Protestant minorities in Limerick and Sligo.
Manchester Evening News – Friday 21 June 1901