Irish Parliamentary Politics, 1767-1775, with Attention to the Views of Edmund Burke
Abstract
CHAPTER IGEORGE TOWNSEND'S ADMINISTRATION, 1767-1775George Ill’s plans to strengthen the power of the English throne affected all parts of the British Empire—not least of all, Ireland. Here for many years, British control had been maintained through a few influential Irish landowners, or "undertakers," as they were called, who were responsible for "making sure of the King’s business," and in return were able to dispense largesse to their followers. The highest office in Ireland was that of the lord-lieutenant, but the Englishmen who received this appointment were not required to reside there. The lord-lieutenant appeared in Ireland only for the opening of each parliamentary session, and then returned to England to collect his salary. To George III it was evident that the only way the control of Ireland could be wrested from those who held power there was to appoint a resident viceroy, through whose hands all emoluments and patronage must pass. In this way the allegiance of the lesser placemen would be transferred to the lord-lieutenant himself, thereby displacing one set of undertakers and raising up another.
Subject Area
History
Recommended Citation
Osterhaus, Denis, "Irish Parliamentary Politics, 1767-1775, with Attention to the Views of Edmund Burke" (1958). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI28673297.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI28673297
