Hello again, kind people and thanks plenty!

Now having put the slightly different versions - and Reiver2's historical reference - here together I think the whole story makes sence if understood as a political make-fun-of-somebody protest against O'Connell's 'loyalism' in the matter: O'Connell supports the Parliamentary Reform (=making children by steam) whereas the 'real' Irish (the old woman and even the tinkerman!) would prefer supporting the Repeal of the Union (making them the old way). Or am I judging poorly?

Still it would be interesting to know whether the song was written in 'real time' or perhaps later. Any reference out there?

Arto K Sallinen