He had considerable influence in public affairs, and enjoyed the close friendship of the Lord Lieutenant, James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde.
[7] He was in favour with the all-powerful Lord Deputy of Ireland, Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford; more importantly, he gained the lifelong friendship of the Duke of Ormonde, who did all in his power to advance the career first of Davys, and later of his sons.
There appear to have been complaints about his slowness and inefficiency in the role of Secretary, since Ormonde, rather defensively, argued that his "old-fashioned" ways were suited to Ireland.
[3] He retained office until his death in 1672; in his last years, he was probably living at his son William's house at St. Catherine's Park, in Leixlip, County Kildare.
[9] Their children were: Elrington Ball describes him as a "remarkable man" who held office during forty turbulent years and was able to retain the confidence of each successive Government in that time.