On 9 February 1886 Parnell declared to the voters of Galway that "If my candidate is defeated, the news will spread round the universe that a disaster has overwhelmed Ireland. The world will say, 'Parnell is beaten. Ireland has no longer a leader.'" Biggar split with Parnell over this, declaring "Mr. Chairman, all I have to say is, I can't agree with what you state, and if Mr. Lynch opponent goes to the poll I'll support him!". Despite their differences, Biggar and Parnell retained their close alliance in subsequent years. Biggar died from heart disease in London - some months before the O'Shea scandal ended Parnell's career - and was buried in his native Belfast.