The new head of the Freemasons in Ireland has promised to use his term in office to dispel the myths surrounding the organisation.
Mr Eric Waller (65), from Glenageary, Co Dublin, made a promising start yesterday when, following his investment ceremony, he became the first in his position to present himself to the media.
"I have nothing to hide," said Mr Waller, whose inauguration as grand master of the Grand Lodge of Freemasons of Ireland puts him in charge of 700 lodges and 32,000 members North and South.
"We've always been happy to talk to the press."
Interest in the investment ceremony was not indulged, however, as the proceedings were held privately in the Masonic Hall on Dublin's Molesworth Street.
The members are no longer stone masons from the Middle Ages but the passwords and the secret handshakes the original members used to verify their qualifications are still a part of lodge meetings.