LAST UPDATE | 6 Feb
FORMER TAOISEACH JOHN Bruton has died.
The 76-year-old Fine Gael politician died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his family, in the early hours of this morning following a long illness.
“He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot,” his family said in a statement. “We will miss him greatly.”
John Bruton led Fine Gael from 1990 until 2001, and served as Taoiseach between December 1994 and June 1997 as head of the ‘rainbow coalition’ alongside Labour and Democratic Left.
He had first been elected to the Dáil at the age of just 22 in 1969. He rose steadily through the ranks of Fine Gael, serving two terms as Minister for Finance in the 1980s, as well as Minister for Industry and Minister for Trade.
He later served as the EU’s ambassador to the US between 2004 and 2009.
A Book of Condolence has been opened for Bruton by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste.
It will be available to sign at the Mansion House tomorrow from 11am to 3pm, and an online Book of Condolence will be available to sign from midnight tonight.
Born in Dunboyne, Co Meath, he graduated from UCD with a degree in economics and politics in 1968 before studying to become a barrister. He was called to the Bar in 1972.
He is survived by his wife Finola, son Matthew and daughters Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth; as well as his brother Richard, his sister Mary, and his extended family.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has paid tribute to the former leader, saying Mr Bruton was one of the reasons he became involved in politics and joined Fine Gael.
Varadkar said he last spoke to him before Christmas, adding that he spoke with his wife Finola and brother Richard Bruton TD this morning to pass on his condolences.
“I believe John Bruton possessed real dignity and imbued compassion and patriotism. The whole Fine Gael family mourns his loss, and he will always be remembered for his service to our Party and to the Irish State,” the Taoiseach said.
President Michael D Higgins said in a statement this afternoon that it was a “privilege” to serve as a member of Dáil Éireann and of Cabinet with Mr Bruton.
He said Mr Bruton was a “deeply committed politician”, who demonstrated a life-long interest and engagement in public affairs and public service both in Ireland and internationally.
President Higgins said Mr Bruton’s contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process during his time as Taoiseach was “very significant”.
“In this work, he brought a particular sensitivity and a generous approach to inclusion with regard to the perspective of the ‘Other’.” the President said.
“Together with John Major, his overseeing of the development of the Joint Framework Document in 1995 was a pivotal foundation for the Good Friday Agreement,” he said.
President Higgins added: “Very open and forthright in his opinions, John [Bruton] had a great sense of humour which was a great help in ensuring a sense of collegiality and that small issues would never be allowed to defeat what was important in relation to the things that mattered most.”
He said Mr Bruton will be “remembered with great warmth and his contributions to the public debate greatly missed”.
Former British prime minister John Major, who was in the role from 1990 to 1997, said Mr Bruton was “brave and talented”.
Major said that in “testing circumstances”, Mr Bruton “put peace above political self-interest to progress the path towards the end of violence”.
“He was a formidable servant of the Irish nation and of peace, and I am deely saddened at his passing.”
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has said it is a sad day for politics and for the Bruton family.
“It is very sad news. He was such a big figure for so many people but most importantly for his family, and I really want to just offer my deepest condolences to them,” McEntee said.
A passionate European and clear about Ireland’s place in the EU, John believed in public service and was a true patriot.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 6, 2024
My deepest sympathies to his wife Finola and all the Bruton family.
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has paid tribute to John Bruton, saying he was one of the “decent” and “genuine” people.
Speaking to RTÉ this morning, Ahern said he was a “gentleman” and “always acted in the interests of the people of the country, of the people of need and I wouldn’t have a bad word to say about John Bruton”.
Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Mr Bruton was a “distinguished parliamentarian who became a great Taoiseach, always guided by his passion for social justice”.
“John will be remembered by most as an honourable person with great resilience and a wonderful sense of humour, who always put his country first,” Kenny said.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill has also expressed her condolences to the Bruton family.
Speaking in the Assembly, she said: “I want to pass on my condolences to the family of former taoiseach John Bruton, who we’ve just been notified has sadly passed away.
“To his family and friends, we send them our condolences at this very sad time.”
Very sorry to learn of the death of John Bruton. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) February 6, 2024
Very saddened to hear about the passing of my good friend and former Taoiseach John Bruton. My heart goes out to his family. He was a gentleman and one of the best politicians our country has had. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/wPlfR7ZN4k
— Seán Kelly MEP (@SeanKellyMEP) February 6, 2024
Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl has also expressed his condolences.
He said Mr Bruton “brought total commitment to democracy, absolute integrity to politics and dedication to public service”.
“This will be his legacy.”
Sean Kelly MEP said he is “very saddened” to hear about the death of his “good friend” John Bruton.
“My heart goes out to his family. He was a gentleman and one of the best politicans our country has had. May he rest in peace,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan said that Mr Bruton was a “man of the highest integrity with a powerful intellect, never taking anything for granted”.
With reporting by Hayley Halpin and Press Association
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