Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland

The viceroy or deputy of the sovereign, to whom the government of Ireland is committed. The office has existed from a remote period, the appointment having been made under different designations. The lord-lieutenant is appointed under the great seal of the United Kingdom, and bears the sword of state as the symbol of his viceregal office. He has the control of the police, and may i ue orders to the general commanding the troops for the support of the civil authority, the protection of the public, the defense of the kingdom, and the suppre ion of insurrection. He also has the power to confer knighthood.