Statement by Minister Helen McEntee on the death of John Bruton RIP

John Bruton was an honest, fair, and gifted person who contributed immensely to Ireland, Europe and the world throughout a half-century of political leadership.

Thousands of people in County Meath and beyond will mourn a completely genuine person, who devoted his life to his family and to improving our country and our world.

John Bruton was a reforming and honourable Taoiseach, a courageous Minister for Finance, an imaginative Minister for Industry and EU Ambassador to the United States, a hardworking Fine Gael Leader, and a hugely effective Meath TD for 35 years.

John was a proud father, husband, son, sibling, and cousin. He was a generous neighbour and a devout Catholic.

Like many others who benefitted from his wisdom, I will always be grateful for his extensive knowledge, his open-mindedness, his consistency, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

I offer my sympathy to Finola, his son Matthew and daughters; Juliana, Emily, and Mary-Elizabeth, and to John’s wider family and neighbours in Dunboyne. May he rest in peace.