Until 1928, the governor-general served an additional role as the British government's agent in the Free State. This meant that all official correspondence between the British and Irish governments went through the governor-general and that he had access to British government papers. It also meant that he could receive secret instructions from the British government. For example, Tim Healy was formally advised by the British government to veto any attempt to abolish the controversial Oath of Allegiance to the Crown, sworn by Irish parliamentarians.
until 1928 the governor-general served an additional role as the british government's agent in the free state this meant that all official correspondence between the british and irish governments went through the governor-general and that he had access to british government papers it also meant that he could receive secret instructions from the british government for example tim healy was formally advised by the british government to veto any attempt to abolish the controversial oath of allegiance to the crown sworn by irish parliamentarians