 Business people in Liverpool welcomed the prospect of McArthur's candidacy, but while the Liberals met that weekend to consider their options, they postponed a decision.On Monday 18th, the McArthur accepted a formal invitation to be the Unionist candidate, and he accepted the nomination.Some local Unionists felt that this constituency should be represented by a ship-owner, but others noted McArthur was as much involved in shipping as the owners.