Updated: 3.50pm
Former Taoiseach John Bruton has died, following a long illness, 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.”
Mr Bruton was born in Dublin on 18 May 1947.
He was elected to the Dáil to represent Meath in 1969.
Mr Bruton was Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 when he led the rainbow coalition government of Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left.
He was leader of 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.
Fine Gael TD for Donegal Joe McHugh shared a tribute today, saying: “John was the Leader of the Fine Gael Party when I came into politics in 1999. He was always very supportive and encouraging and aware of the work I was involved in the peace and reconciliation side. He was always very inquisitive about the cross-border work that I was involved in.
“He was very gentle and he had a great curiosity and was a committed and creative political thinker.
“After he stepped down as Leader of the Party, he was still very active within the Parliamentary Party and he continued to promote and influence policy.
“He represented the European Union in Washington as EU Ambassador to the United States and he brought his political experience to the world stage.
“He was always very affable and engaging in conversation and was continually looking at new ways to create a better society and a better Ireland.
“Mo chomhbhrón lena bhean chéile Finola agus a chlann, agus lena dheartháir Richard, a dheirfiúr Mary agus leis an teaghlach uilig. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal.”
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