Stephen held a strong disdain for the English government's treatment of Ireland and even took part in conspiracies against it. His political stance was clear, as he actively opposed the actions of the government he viewed as oppressive.
However, despite his animosity towards the government, Stephen had a genuine fondness for the English people on an individual level. He preferred that any criticism be directed at him rather than toward the nation as a whole, reflecting his complex feelings about nationality and personal relationships.