A legacy of dedicated public service & political integrity
JOHN Bruton’s legacy is anchored in his unwavering commitment to democracy, absolute integrity in politics and a dedication to public service.
His influence on Anglo-irish relations and the peace framework agreed with former UK Prime Minister Sir John Major in 1995 were significant contributions to his political repertoire.
Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail highlighted Mr Bruton’s four decades of service and emphasized his commitment to democracy and his unwavering belief in European unity. Bruton’s role was instrumental in the Good Friday Agreement and his efforts towards peace and reconciliation were acknowledged by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste Micheál Martin.
He established a key relationship with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, even as trust strained following the ending of the IRA ceasefire in 1996.
Former Justice Minister and Mr Bruton’s party deputy Nora Owen, said “John was crucial to the Good Friday
Agreement” but added that he never received the credit for it.
She said: “People who were critical of him will probably now say, ‘There were things John Bruton said and did that were absolutely right’.
“John was so brave. He was a great European.”
His former Cabinet colleague Ivan Yates described him as close personal friend right up to the end.
Speaking on RTE’S
Today with Colm O Mongain, he added: “He will be greatly missed.
“Throughout life he always gave me great advice. He’d say just do one important thing every day. His kindness, his humanity. He gave the State a lot of service.”
He said the former Taoiseach always met everyone one-to-one and kept notes on each meeting and developed great
people skills.
He said Mr Bruton and his wife Finola were very conservative Catholics, but on issues like divorce he pivoted.
He added: “Long after he had left politics, he would write columns and attend things which were all pro bono.
“He was a mentor to me, someone I looked up to and deeply respected.
“When he was dealing with what he probably knew was a terminal illness, his humanity is something that the public never saw, and he maybe didn’t want them to see it.”