Mayo TD pays tribute as former Taoiseach John Bruton passes away

Former Taoiseach John Bruton has died aged 76 following a long illness.

In a statement, Mr Bruton's family said: “It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the death of former Taoiseach John Bruton.

“He died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his loving family, early this morning following a long illness.

“He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot.

“We will miss him greatly.

“John is survived by his wife, Finola, son Matthew and daughters; Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren, sons-in-law, his brother, Richard and sister, Mary, nieces, nephews, many cousins and extended family.” 

Mr Bruton, who was the Fine Gael leader from 1990 to 2001, led the Rainbow Coalition government, which also involved Labour and Democratic Left, between December 1994 and June 1997.

The former Meath TD went on to serve as the EU’s ambassador to the US from 2004 to 2009.

Mayo Fine Gael TD Michael Ring has expressed his sorrow at the passing of Mr Bruton. Deputy Ring served under Mr Bruton during his time as Taoiseach.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the wonderful John Bruton. John was a thorough gentleman with an incredible mind and work ethic,” Deputy Ring said. “I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to John’s wife, Finola, son Matthew, daughters- Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, John’s grandchildren, sons-in-law, John’s brother- Richard and sister-Mary and extended family and friends.

“John will be a tremendous loss to his family. He was a decent, hardworking man.

“In 1994, I was elected in a by-election. This seat resulted in Fine Gael being able to go in Government with John becoming Taoiseach. It was an honour to serve under John’s leadership. He was an excellent Taoiseach and Statesman. He carried out tremendous work in relation to Northern Ireland.

“John was also Ambassador of the European Union to the United States from 2004 to 2009. He served this role with distinction. John had great vision.

“We became wonderful friends and I valued his friendship. We had a great connection and we maintained this friendship through the years.

“John will be a huge loss to his family and this country. John will be remembered very fondly by all who knew and loved him,” concluded Deputy Ring.