'Taoiseach' series explores Bruton leadership this week

TV3 this week concludes its 'Taoiseach' series with a look at the premiership of Dunboyne man John Bruton, who led the Rainbow Coalition from 1994 to 1997. From revolutionaries to economists, the 12 men who have assumed the mantle of taoiseach have shaped this nation, according to TV3, which has received widespread acclaim for its series. John Bruton became Taoiseach after the fall of the Albert Reynolds-led Fianna Fail-Labour coalition following the Harry Whelehan affair. The Fine Gael leader has always admitted his surprise at becoming Taoiseach so quickly, after doing a deal with Dick Spring of Labour and Prionsias De Rossa of Democratic Left, without an election being called. The government lasted until an election had to be called in 1997. Those making the documentary said Bruton liked being Taoiseach in charge of a rainbow coalition. Because there was always a casting vote in the event of a disagreement, it never came down to one against one. He was also very knowledgeable on Irish history. 'Taoiseach' airs on Thursday nights at 9pm on TV3. It was also reported at the weekend that Mr Bruton has landed a $180,000 part-time job at Ingersoll Rand. The $13 bn-valued multinational is listed on the NYSE. Last year, it announced it was moving its tax residency to Ireland from Bermuda. The giant corporation, which already employs around 700 staff here, made the move to enjoy Ireland's 12.5 per cent tax rate, EU membership and stable legal and regulatory regime. Mr Bruton's brother, Richard, the current Fine Gael deputy leader, has expressed surprise and disappointment at the decision on Monday by George Lee, FG TD of nine months, and former RTE economics correspondent, to resign from the party and Dail. Finance spokesperson Mr Bruton, often seen as a contender to Enda Kenny's leadership which is now seen as weakened, said that Mr Lee never expressed discontent with his situation, and never came to him with any ideas about economic policy. Meath TD Shane McEntee, who won John Bruton's seat in the 2005 by-election after his departure to America as EU Ambassador, said: "I am disappointed in George Lee's decision to leave politics after only eight months. Politics is a tough job and a lot of the work is unglamorous, goes unnoticed and is at times frustrating. I feel that George had an opportunity to make a difference to the country as he was a beacon of change and hope for the future for many. "He is a very nice man with great capabilities and I wish him and his family well in the future."