Press statement by Ernest Blythe on the appointment and functions of the Governor General

The Governors General were originally appointed on the advice of the London Ministers and they acted as the representatives of the London Government. As the Dominions evolved and their relations with Great Britain assumed more and more the character of a partnership, the Governors General came to be regarded as the King's representatives.

At the Imperial Conference of 1926 it was felt that a declaration as to the existing position was timely. It was accordingly placed on record that the Governor General holds in all essential respects the same position in relation to the administration of public affairs in the Dominions as is held by His Majesty the King in Great Britain and that he is not the representative or agent of His Majesty's Government in Great Britain or of any Department of that Government.

The Governor General has ceased to be the formal official channel of communication between the Saorstát and British Governments since the 1st May. In Canada and South Africa the new arrangement is in force since the 1st July.

Following the defining of the Governor General's position and the formal recognition of the right of the Dominion Governments to advise the King in all matters relating to their own affairs¹ The appointment of the Governor General is entirely a matter for the Dominion Government concerned and he is appointed by the King on the sole advice of that Government.

The new Governor General of the Irish Free State is being appointed by the King on the advice of the Saorstát Government.