Galway TDs have been paid tribute to the late former Taoiseach John Bruton, whose death was announced this morning.
It was announced this morning that the former Taoiseach had passed away at the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin following a long illness.
Galway TD Denis Naughten praised Mr Bruton as someone who “proudly wore his principles on his sleeve”, even when it was not good politics, and had a huge influence on his own path.
“It was John who encouraged me to enter politics in 1997, and I was honoured to be appointed by him to the Fine Gael Front Bench three years later as the Spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, and Employment.”
“John was a man brimming with ideas and energy, imparting his passion to many of the younger members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party during his leadership.”
He described Mr Bruton’s conviction that “politics should be a tool for delivering social justice” for everyone in Ireland and beyond.
“A staunch European, John relished his role as Europe’s first Ambassador to the United States, embodying the values and aspirations of our continent on the global stage.”
“In rural Ireland, we would say John was a ‘decent, hardworking man’—thoughtful, with a keen interest in agriculture, and his hearty laugh, synonymous with his good-natured spirit, resonated with all”.
Deputy Naughten expressed his sympathies to Mr Bruton’s family on his passing, adding “John’s legacy as both a statesman and a sincere, compassionate individual will undoubtedly endure. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Mr Bruton was first elected to the Dáil in 1969 to represent Meath. He became the leader of Fine Gael in 1990, a position he held for the next decade until 2001.
From 1994 to 1997 he served as Taoiseach for a broad coalition government made up of Fine Gael, Labour and the Democratic Left.
He played a significant role on the international stage as the EU’s first Ambassador to the United States from 2004 to 2009, and through his contributions to the peace process in Northern Ireland which led to the Good Friday Agreement.
Deputy Hildegarge Naughton also expressed her condolences at Mr Bruton’s passing after many decades of public service.
“Very sorry to hear about the death of John Bruton. Taoiseach, European Union Ambassador to the United States of America and a TD for 35 years. A true statesman. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
A statement from Mr Bruton’s family said, “He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot. We will miss him greatly.”
Mr Buton 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.
