The post of Lord President of Munster was the most important office in the English government of the Irish province of Munster from its introduction in the Elizabethan era for a century, to 1672, a period including the Desmond Rebellions in Munster, the Nine Years' War, and the Irish Rebellion of 1641. The Lord President was subject to the chief governor, but had full authority within the province, extending to civil, criminal and church legal matters, the imposition of martial law, official appointments, and command of military forces. Some appointments to military governor of Munster were not accompanied by the status of President. The width of his powers led to frequent clashes with the longer established courts, and in 1622 he was warned sharply not to "intermeddle" with cases which were properly the business of those courts. He was assisted by a Council whose members included the Chief Justice of Munster, another justice and the Attorney General for the Province. By 1620 his council was permanently based in Limerick. The post was suppressed in 1672.
Early history
The position was created at the suggestion of Sir Henry Sidney in the late 1560s. Filling it proved troublesome initially, since the nomination in 1566 of Warham St Leger failed to get royal approval. John Pollard turned down Sidney's offer, ultimately, for financial reasons. Later in 1569 Sir Edward Fitton accepted the position of Lord President of Connaught. The first President to be appointed was Sir John Perrot but it took several years for him to arrive in Munster. There are sources saying that Humphrey Gilbert had the title in 1569.
Presidents of Munster
1568 John Perrot, not in Ireland until 1571, absent after 1573
Carew asked to resign, and was replaced about the time James I came to the English throne. There are different, confused accounts of the transition and outcome, one from the perspective of officials in London, and another local to Munster and indeed Cork. Brouncker, President in title, over-reached his position quickly. On one account, Carew was recommending as Vice-President Oliver St John; but in fact held the post until the appointment of his successor Henry Brouncker. On another account, Carew put his post in commission with Charles Wilmot and George Thornton. The post was taken over from them by Henry Becher. Here sources conflict. Whatever the nominal position from 1606, Wilmot and Thornton again held the reins of government.
1627–1642 William St Leger. After his death the position is three-cornered and unclear and the territory of Munster was in Irish hands, effectively until Cromwell's campaign of reconquest.
1607 After Brouncker's death and before Danvers's appointment, Richard Moryson and Donogh O'Brien, 4th Earl of Thomond are acting in the post of president.
1609 Richard Moryson, vice-president. In 1613 Moryson tried to purchase the presidency, paying Danvers, but Thomond had the post in the end.
