Former Irish PM John Bruton, who helped pave the way for the Good Friday Agreement, dies aged 76

Former Irish Prime Minister John Bruton, who helped pave the way for the Good Friday Agreement, has died aged 76

Mr Bruton was leader of Fine Gael from 1990 to 2001 and Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 as head of the ‘rainbow coalition’ government.

Former British Prime Minister Sir John Major said Bruton “made a major contribution to the early days of the peace process” and “sacrificed political self-interest to make progress towards an end to violence.”

A statement from the Bruton family, released this morning by Fine Gael, said: ‘It is with great sadness that we would like to announce the death of former Prime Minister John Bruton.

‘He died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his loving family, early this morning after a long illness.

“He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot.

‘We will miss him enormously.’

After losing the 1997 election, Mr Bruton remained leader of Fine Gael for four more years and remained involved in efforts to reach a peace deal (pictured with Tony Blair in 1998)

Mr Bruton with his budget package as Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1982

Mr Bruton was first elected to the Dail as a TD for Meath at the age of 22 and remained in Fine Gael until his retirement from domestic politics in 2004.

He served as Minister of Finance for two terms in the 1980s, as well as Minister of Industry and Energy and Minister of Trade.

As Taoiseach, he launched the Anglo-Irish ‘Framework Document’ with Sir John in 1995.

Opponents criticized Bruton for being too accommodating to unionists, but he also heavily criticized the British government’s refusal to engage with Sinn Fein after the IRA declared a ceasefire from 1994.

At the 1997 general election, Bruton lost to Bertie Ahern’s Fianna Fail.

He remained leader of Fine Gael for another four years and remained involved in efforts to reach a peace agreement.

Sir John Major said today: ‘I was shocked to hear of the loss of John Bruton.

‘He was a courageous and talented Prime Minister who made a major contribution to the early days of the peace process.

‘In difficult circumstances, he placed peace above political self-interest to make progress towards an end to violence.

“He was a formidable servant of the Irish nation and of peace, and I am deeply saddened by his passing.”

Former Prime Minister Ahern said Bruton was “one of the decent people”.

“My opinion of John is that he was a gentleman,” Mr Ahern told RTE.

“He was always the private man. He was Leader of the House in government, and I was Leader of the House in opposition, way back in the early 1980s.

“I’ve worked with them for so many years on so many issues. We get along well.

“I considered him one of the decent people. His commitment to the North (Northern Ireland) was always genuine.

‘He was a completely sincere person and always acted in the best interests of the people of the country, of the people in need, and I wouldn’t say a bad word about John Bruton.’

Northern Ireland’s new Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill sent her condolences to the Bruton family.

Mr. Bruton with Bill Clinton in the White House in the 1990s

The Sinn Fein leader told the General Assembly: “I would like to pass on my condolences to the family of former Taoiseach John Bruton, who we have just learned has sadly passed away.

‘We extend our condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.’

Her DUP MP Emma Little-Pengelly also offered her condolences, while Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots said he will write to the Bruton family to offer his condolences.

Born in Dunboyne in Co Meath, Mr Bruton graduated from University College Dublin (UCD) before qualifying as a barrister at King’s Inns.

After leaving domestic politics, he served as European Union ambassador to the US from 2004 to 2009.

Mr Bruton is survived by his wife Finola, their four children and grandchildren.