Nowhere were the advantages of Henry's policy more conspicuous than in his arrangements for the government of Ireland.
Ever since Richard, Duke of York, and George, Duke of Clarence, had ruled as Irish viceroys, Ireland had been a Yorkist stronghold.

There Simnel had been crowned king, and there peers and peasants had fought for Perkin Warbeck.

Something must be done to heal the running sore.
Possibly Henry thought that some of Ireland's loyalty might be diverted from Yorkist channels by the selection of a Tudor prince as its viceroy; but he put his trust in more solid measures.

As deputy to his infant son he nominated one who, though but a knight, was perhaps the ablest man among his privy council.

It was in this capacity that Sir Edward Poynings[38] crossed to Ireland about the close of 1494, and called the Parliament of Drogheda.