Former Taoiseach John Bruton has died following a long illness, his family has said. He was 76.
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 was first elected to the Dáil to represent Meath in 1969, and was Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 when he led the rainbow coalition government.
He led Fine Gael from 1990 to 31 January, 2001.
He was re-elected to the Dáil in May 2002 and resigned his seat on 31 October, 2004, and was appointed as the EU Ambassador to the United States the following month.
Tributes are being paid to Mr Bruton as news of his death emerged.
Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly described him as a “gentleman and one of the best politicians our country has had.”
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
Journalist Michael Kelly said: “Sad news that former Taoiseach John Bruton has died. He was a man of great integrity and a devoted family man. May he rest in peace.”
Sad news that former Taoiseach John Bruton has died. He was a man of great integrity and a devoted family man. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/4SEmeBiJjp
— Michael Kelly ن (@MichaelPTKelly) February 6, 2024