John Bruton, who served as Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 and Ambassador of the European Union to the United States from 2004 to 2009, died early on Tuesday, February 6. He was 76 years old.
“It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the death of former Taoiseach John Bruton," a statement released on Tuesday by the Bruton family via the Irish political party Fine Gael said.
“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.”
Family statement on the death of former Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael, John Bruton.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.https://t.co/lkFIRD0nhY pic.twitter.com/jBBlxER7aa
— Fine Gael (@FineGael) February 6, 2024
Leading the tributes on Tuesday was Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, the current head of Fine Gael.
Varadkar, who said he was "devastated" to learn of Bruton's passing, said in a statement: "John was doer and a philosopher. He was passionately pro-European in Government and in Opposition, and was well-liked and respected among colleagues in Europe and in the European People’s Party in which he served as Vice-President. He knew that Ireland’s place and destiny was at the heart of Europe and made the case for it eloquently.
"On the North, he strongly opposed violence as a means to advance political objectives and believed in unity through consent. He made a particular effort to reach out to the Unionist community. He advocated a new patriotism and opposed narrow nationalism. While these views are now held by the majority of people, that was not always the case and he was willing to lead, even when it meant going against the grain.
"John believed in an enterprise economy and responsible management of the public finances. I am convinced that the decisions made by the ‘Rainbow’ Government which he led from 1994 to 1997, comprising Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left, laid the foundation for much of the economic prosperity we have enjoyed since.
"A believer in individual rights and responsibilities and social justice, John was born from the Christian Democratic tradition of European and Irish politics. He was conservative but always compassionate and caring. He played a crucial role in the Divorce Referendum of 1995 in convincing middle-ground voters to vote Yes in what was a very tight referendum.
"Above all, 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."
March 20, 2019: John Bruton and Leo Varadkar attending the funeral of former Minister for Finance and Minister for the Public Service Richie Ryan. (RollingNews.ie)
Meanwhile, Tanaiste Micheál Martin described Bruton as a "committed politician full of ideas and energy" who "worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland."
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.
Paying tribute, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins said in part: "It was a mark of John Bruton’s interest in politics that while his term as Taoiseach included an emphasis on the local, and in particular the ongoing issues with regard to Northern Ireland, he was always a strongly committed promoter of politics in the European Union."
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also offered her condolences.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of former Taoiseach John Bruton.
A proud leader of his country and a committed European, representing the EU as Ambassador to the United States.
My thoughts are with his friends and family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. pic.twitter.com/3xV1070LgG
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 6, 2024
Claire Cronin, the US Ambassador to Ireland, said she was "deeply saddened" to hear of Bruton's passing and highlighted his "significant contribution to the Northern Ireland Peace Process."
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Taoiseach John Bruton. He made a significant contribution to the Northern Ireland Peace Process leading to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, and his efforts to promote transatlantic ties as EU Ambassador to the United States… pic.twitter.com/fDRNrzkWOn
— Ambassador Claire Cronin (@USAmbIreland) February 6, 2024
In Northern Ireland, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly expressed sympathy upon Bruton's passing.
The First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have expressed their sympathy to the family of former Taoiseach John Bruton following his death.https://t.co/vyxWXl4vA3
— NI Executive (@niexecutive) February 6, 2024
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