Fitzwilliam Appointed Viceroy
Above : Painting Of Fitzgibbon
From the first, considerable misunderstanding seems to have existed between Fitzwilliam and the members of the Cabinet. It does not appear to have been clearly explained to the Viceroy-Elect what the extent of his powers were to be, especially in regard to the appointment and dismissal of high officials, or, if such an explanation was given, it was not understood. Fitzwilliam afterwards declared that he believed himself authorised to make what changes he pleased, except that Baron Fitzgibbon, the Lord Chancellor, was not to be removed. These, and other matters, were discussed at personal interviews of which no note was taken at the time, and the recollections of the several persons present as to what was actually said were found afterwards to differ in many material points. Regarding the attitude which he was to take up in the important matter of the Catholic claims, Fitzwilliam would appear to have received sufficiently explicit directions. He was to endeavour to procure a postponement of the whole matter, if possible, but if that could not be done he was to support it. Yet even as regards this, some misunderstandings arose.
