He was an intelligent and popular man who would undoubtedly have played an influential role in Irish politics had it not been for his premature death.
[citation needed] His father died at the height of the English Civil War; as he was a staunch Royalist, his property had suffered considerably from attacks by the Parliamentary forces.
In 1660 he used his political influence to support the Restoration of Charles II, and was recommended to the King by James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde as a military commander.
He was also on good terms with Ormond's successor as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, John Robartes, 1st Earl of Radnor, and entertained him at Howth Castle in 1669.
His last will, dated 14 May 1671, contains evidence of his wide circle of gifted friends including Thomas Butler, 6th Earl of Ossory (whom he appointed his children's guardian), John Keating, the future Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, and the leading physician Nicholas Henshaw.