Lacaita had first been elected in 1885 and who had cited his disapproval of Gladstone's Home Rule policy as his reason for resigning.
In this lengthy letter Lacaita outlined his objection to what he saw as some Liberals practically encouraging Irish Nationalists pursuing "obstruction in parliament" and "violent agitation and lawlessness in Ireland".
[3] In a letter sent to The Dundee Courier and Argus from Brighton on 29 November 1887, Lacaita admitted to meeting with Lord Rosebery to tell him of his plan ten days earlier, but said that contrary to the previous report in the newspaper, Rosebery had actually expressed disapproval of Lacaita's views and urged him not to resign.
Ultimately, to avoid splitting the Liberal and radical vote an agreement was reached to back Firth.
The local Conservatives and Liberal Unionists united behind Sir Henry Dermot Daly, their candidate in 1886.