‘A proud Irishman and a committed European’

EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness on John Bruton

John Bruton’s death was a sad day for Ireland and for Europe, both of which he served with distinction over a decades-long political career, Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union, stated.

"I was very sorry to learn of John Bruton’s death, and extend my sincere condolences to his wife Finola, his son, Matthew, and daughters, Juliana, Emily, and Mary-Elizabeth, and John’s wider family.

"Many colleagues in the European Commission and European Parliament this week approached me to offer condolences and share personal experiences of working with John. It showed how John took the time to understand others in Europe and perspectives from different countries," she said.

Ms McGuinness said that his commitment to Europe, and the esteem in which he was held, was evidenced by his appointment as EU ambassador to the United States in 2004 – one of the most important roles in European diplomacy.

"John made a significant impression in Washington DC, thanks to his deep understanding both of the EU and the US. His contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process was significant, working with John Major, the then-British prime minister. Within a year of leaving office, the Good Friday Agreement was signed, John’s tireless work certainly helped pave the way.

"His political philosophy was based on solid principles – dignity, respect, empathy, honesty and integrity – and was accompanied by a strong work ethic. As John said, “public office is a privilege that must be paid for in hard work and long hours” – and certainly John lived by those values. He sometimes had to take unpopular decisions, but he was resilient and that is needed in politics. John was a man of deep faith, a Christian Democrat who was progressive and forward-looking.

"On a personal level, John made a big contribution to my own political career, just as I was starting out in politics. John gave me the honour of proposing my nomination as candidate for the European Parliament elections in 2004. I spent the next 16 years in the European Parliament, where John was a frequent visitor and always available to offer valuable insights. He was great company, could be very funny and had a wonderful laugh. He was kind with his praise when he saw a job well done. John was a devoted family man rooted in his constituency, a strong advocate for peace on the island of Ireland, a proud Irishman and a committed European.

MEP Seán Kelly, who is leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, said John Bruton was a man of integrity and courage who called things out as they were. He had an innate diplomatic skill and was highly respected at EU level.

“He worked tirelessly on peace and restoration in Northern Ireland. He was a strong European and believed in the value of the EU. In fact, it was on the sidelines of an EU summit that John Bruton and John Major discussed the idea of a talks process that would eventually lead to the Good Friday Agreement being achieved. So, it is very poignant that his passing follows the restoration of power-sharing at Stormont, with all the hope that brings for stability and peace. He leaves behind a legacy to be proud of.

“John was a friend and a confidante. I will always remember his infectious laugh and great personality. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time,” said Mr Kelly, a former president of the Gaelic Athletic Association.

The staff of the European Union Delegation to the United States in Washington DC said it was greatly saddened by the death of John Bruton who served as Ambassador to the United States from 2004-2009. "He brought energy, passion, new ideas and vast political experience to the role and transformed EU diplomacy in the US," they stated. "He is remembered with fondness and respect and his legacy lives on.”

Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland chief executive, said:“Mr Bruton was an outstanding politician and statesman. Prior to becoming Taoiseach in 1994 he served for several years as Minister for the Industry and Commerce portfolio and played a vitally important role in the expansion of our Foreign Direct Investment Manufacturing offering which has been so crucial in our economic success since the 1990s. Amongst his many achievements as Taoiseach were the promotion of our strongly developing economy and facilitating the growth of the International Financial Services Centre. Subsequently as EU Ambassador to the United States he did a unique job of communicating developments and opportunities to the advantage of Ireland and Irish businesses.”