Taoiseach Bruton Obituary, Death – The Irish political landscape is in mourning as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar leads tributes in the Dáil to former-Taoiseach John Bruton, who peacefully passed away at the age of 76 after a prolonged illness. The Dáil set aside three hours to allow for expressions of sympathy, clearing the schedule to honor the late Fine Gael politician known for his significant contributions to Irish politics.
Varadkar highlighted Bruton’s intellect, sense of humor, distinctive laugh, passion for farming, and dedication to his faith. He lauded Bruton as a man who prioritized people over politics and worked tirelessly for the betterment of Ireland, leaving an indelible mark on the country. First elected to the Dáil at the age of 22 in 1969, Bruton served two terms as Minister for Finance in the 1980s and later led Fine Gael from 1990 to 2001.
Bruton was a central figure in the Northern Ireland peace process alongside then-UK Prime Minister Sir John Major, playing a crucial role in launching the Anglo-Irish Framework document. He later served as the EU’s ambassador to the US from 2004 to 2009. The Taoiseach extended condolences to Bruton’s wife Finola and their four children, expressing sympathy to Bruton’s siblings Mary and Richard, the latter being a Fine Gael TD present in the Dáil chamber. Varadkar acknowledged the extraordinary contribution of the Bruton family to Irish politics, praising their exemplary service.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, while respecting Bruton’s commitment to public service, noted political differences during the peace process in Northern Ireland. McDonald highlighted her profound disagreements with Bruton’s viewpoints, particularly on Ireland’s revolutionary history and the Easter Rising. However, she recognized the sincerity of his beliefs.
Former Labour leader Brendan Howlin emphasized Bruton’s critical role in the cohesion and survival of the rainbow coalition government, praising his service to the nation. Current Labour leader Ivana Bacik acknowledged political differences but credited Bruton’s government with laying the groundwork for peace and stability on the island. She noted Bruton’s role in the passing of the divorce referendum and the constitutional liberalization it represented. Tributes in the Dáil continue as the Irish political community pays respects to a statesman whose legacy spans decades and whose contributions have left an enduring impact on the nation.
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