Former Taoiseach John Bruton dies, aged 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."

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

Born in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Bruton was first elected to the Dáil at the age of just 22 in 1969. He served two terms as Minister for Finance in the 1980s, as well as Minister for Industry and Minister for Trade. He was re-elected to the Dáil in 2002 and resigned his seat two years later, going on to serve as EU ambassador to the US between 2004 and 2009. Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond said he was "saddened" to hear of the former party leader's death. "He served Ireland and Europe with distinction," he said. "He gave his life to public service & long after he retired he was on hand with advise & support to so many." MEP Maria Walsh also paid tribute: "Very saddened to learn of John Bruton’s death, peacemaker & politician of high regard. His legacy of public service will live on beyond us, history will keep his work alive, peace is his impact."

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