John Bruton, who was taoiseach in Ireland from 1994 till 1997, has died aged 76.
In a household assertion, it was introduced that 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,” the assertion added.
Mr Bruton was chief of Fine Gael from 1990 till January 2001.
As taoiseach he was instrumental in working with British prime minister Sir John Major to launch the Anglo-Irish Framework Document in 1995, which proposed new relations between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK.
In 2002 he was re-elected to the Dail – the decrease home of the Irish parliament – till he resigned his seat two years later.
He was then appointed the EU Ambassador to the United States, which he did till 2009.
Leading the tributes, Sir John mentioned: “I was shocked to learn of the loss of John Bruton.
“He was a courageous and gifted taoiseach who contributed mightily to the early days of the peace course of.
“In testing circumstances, he put peace above political self-interest to progress the path towards the end of violence.
“He was a formidable servant of the Irish nation and of peace, and I’m deeply saddened at his passing.”
‘Peacemaker and politician’
Jeffrey Donaldson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, referred to Mr Bruton as a “gents” who, as prime minister, “reached out to unionists to try to acquire a greater understanding of our place and to encourage sensible cooperation”.
“Our ideas and prayers are together with his household presently,” he wrote on X.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill additionally despatched condolences to Mr Bruton’s household whereas talking within the Assembly.
“I want to pass on my condolences to the family of former taoiseach John Bruton, who we’ve just been notified has sadly passed away,” she mentioned.
“To his family and friends, we send them our condolences at this very sad time.”
Maria Walsh, Irish politician and MEP for the Midlands-North-West, wrote on X: “Very saddened to learn of John Bruton’s death, peacemaker & politician of high regard.
“His legacy of public service will reside on past us, historical past will preserve his work alive, peace is his affect. Condolences to his household, mates, colleagues.”
The household assertion mentioned that Mr Bruton is survived by his spouse, 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 prolonged household.
Source: information.sky.com”