“In other words, the petit bourgeoisie were being forced to seek to keep a foot in different and sometimes opposed political camps, and thereby to hedge their political bets. Connolly was concerned about the direction in which this ambivalence was leading…writing `patriotic’ articles tomorrow, Home Rule corporations electing Tory Lord Mayors, the conquest of Ireland land at last accepted and ratified by her sons”

I appreciate this particular historical insight from Andrew Gibson’s section of the “Ivy Day in the Committee Room”, because of its relevance to the overall tone of our short story. Throughout the story there are hints of paranoia and mistrust, from accusations of spying to veiled commentary, that become clearer with the context of a politically unstable middle class. When a political coalition includes individuals (like Mr. Crofton) that seem politely yet diametrically opposed to nationalist figures like Parnell. The party’s “hypocritical” stance on foreign dignitaries also highlights the lack of consensus within the committee room, even among apparent colleagues.