LORD-LIEUTENANT OF IRELAND

The chief executive officer of the Irish government, representing in some respects the person of the king. The first viceroy or lieutenant of Ireland appears to have been appointed in the reign of Henry II.; and by acts of parliament pa ed in the reigns of Richard III. and Henry VIII. provision was made for the election of a governor by the chancellor, treasurer, and other high officers of the government, on the death or resignation of a lieutenant, until the king's pleasure were known. The chief officer in Ireland has been variously styled at different times; as custos or keeper, justiciary, warden, procurator, seneschal, constable, deputy, and lieutenant.He is appointed by letters patent, durante bene placito. He has a council, composed of the great officers of the crown in Ireland, and others appointed by the crown. He corresponds with the secretary for the home department; but the management of the affairs of the Irish government in London is chiefly entrusted to the secretary for Ireland, who is also chief secretary of the lord-lieutenant. He has also a household, consisting of a private secretary, steward, comptroller, chamberlain, gentleman usher, master of the horse, and subordinate officers. His salary has been usually £20,000 per annum. [s. 702]