Ever since Pitt and Castlerea perpetrated their Act of Union two political parties have struggled together in Ireland.

Both of them have been steadily prominent, so prominent that they have sometimes attracted the attention of the English public, and drawn to their contest a little quite unintelligent interest.

The simplest and most discernible line of division between them is a religious one.

The Protestant party has hitherto been guided and led by the gentry.

It has been steadily loyal to England and to the English Government.