There were the two eminent Liberals, Mr.Thomas Sinclair and Mr.Thomas Andrews, and Mr.John Young, all three of whom were members of the Irish Privy Council; Colonel R.H.Wallace, C.B., Mr.
W.H.H.Lyons, and Sir James Stronge, leaders of the Orangemen; Colonel Sharman-Crawford, Mr.E.M.Archdale, Mr.W.J.Allen, Mr.R.H.Reade, and Sir William Ewart.

Among several "Unionist candidates for Ulster constituencies" who were at the same meeting co-opted to the Council, we find the names of Captain James Craig and Mr.Denis Henry, K.C.The Duke of Abercorn accepted the position of President of the Council, and Mr.
E.M.Archdale was elected chairman of the Standing Committee.

Mr.T.H.
Gibson was appointed secretary.

In October 1906 the latter resigned his post owing to failing health, and, on the motion of Mr.William Moore, M.P., Mr.Richard Dawson Bates, a solicitor practising in Belfast, was "temporarily" appointed to fill the vacancy.

This temporary appointment was never formally made permanent, but no question in regard to the secretaryship was ever raised, for Mr.Bates performed the duties year after year to the complete satisfaction of everyone connected with the organisation, and in a manner that earned the gratitude of all Ulster Unionists.