He disliked public speaking and made few contributions to House of Commons debates: one historian remarks that he was noted for delighting in a good dinner and for silence in debate. A moderate reformer in politics, he had naturally supported Catholic Emancipation (he had been accused, rather improbably, of negotiating on the subject with the Vatican while still in his early twenties), but he firmly opposed repeal of the Act of Union 1800.
He was averse to public speaking, contributing little to House of Commons debates; one historian noted his enjoyment of fine dining and his preference for silence during discussions. A moderate political reformer, he had naturally supported Catholic Emancipation (he had been accused, somewhat unexpectedly, of negotiating the subject with the Vatican while still in his early twenties), but he staunchly opposed repealing the Act of Union 1800.