A large dog, emerging from the water, with the head of the Duke of Wellington, and a smaller dog with the head of Lord John Russell, both tug a stick inscribed "committee Ireland", while John Bull and Daniel O'Connell, the respective owners, are waiting in the background. Coloured lithograph by H.B. (John Doyle), 1839.

A debate in the House of Lords on the administration of Irish affairs on 21 March 1839 resulted in a committee to investigate the "crime and outrage" critical of Lord Mulgrave. Lord John Russell also moved a resolution in the House of Commons. Hence, the Duke of Wellington, as the leader of the majority in the Lords, and Russell, as leader in the Commons, are portrayed wrestling for the staff of political power. O'Connell, as a Commoner, is shown encouraging Russell