But the delayed reaction - from expressing disappointment, to going on television 48 hours later to denounce the outcome as "bad for Britain"' - was not simply because he was irritated by the Eurosceptics, or was under pressure from some in his party for his initiallylukewarm response.
General Championnet initially helped the Neapolitan rebels, but the Directory in Paris was lukewarm about this Neapolitan republic and Championnet was soon sent elsewhere, as was Nelson once he had chased the French out.