Lily and Michael thought they could just walk out of the Guildhall because they were innocent
Michael and Lily knew they were innocent of terrorism and believed that they could leave the Guildhall safely. ... Michael thought that the British establishment would treat them fairly if they had behaved in a respectable fashion. ... Friel suggests that Michael¡¯s method of tackling the problem is inappropriate and the only method to advance is through force and revolution. The contrast in the opinions of walking out of the Guildhall or not is essentially due to the political background of the characters. ... ¡°Skinner on the left, Lily in the middle, Michael on the right. ... It suggests that since Skinner is on the left, he is more radical in his actions while Michael tends to be more conservative and restricted in his behaviour. It is the conservative nature of Michael which brings upon the belief that the British protestant establishment would treat the civil rights movement with respect and dignity if they were to behave in a respectable fashion.