Secretary-General to the President (Ireland)

The coming into force of the new Irish constitution, in December 1937 resulted in the creation of a new office, President of Ireland.

While the office was not scheduled to be filled until mid 1938 its powers, functions and duties were required to be exercised immediately.

That role was given to the new collective vice-presidency, which under the transitory provisions of the constitution was made up of the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, the Chief Justice and the President of the High Court.

His 1945 book The President of Ireland: His Powers, Functions & Duties was seen as the bible of the office by those seeking to restrict the post and its occupant.

Commentators credited the ditching of McDunphy's rules as a key factor in the rebirth of the office and in its subsequent popularity.