Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A Cheann Comhairle, mar Thaoiseach agus mar Cheannaire Fhine Gael, déanaim comhbhrón ó chroí le teaghlach, cairde agus comhghleacaithe John Bruton. Molaim tírghráthóir a chaith saol seirbhíse poiblí iontach. Chuir sé go buan lenár dtír agus d'fhág sé oidhreacht shuntasach. As Taoiseach and as leader of Fine Gael, I extend my deepest sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of John Bruton. I pay tribute to a modern patriot who led a life of extraordinary public service. He made lasting contributions to our country and leaves a remarkable legacy.

John Bruton was somebody who inspired me to enter politics and to join Fine Gael. I was struck by his incredible belief in young people and his unshakeable faith that they could make a difference. He never forgot what it was like to enter this House as a young man, only 22 years old at the time, full of hope and idealism. He was still hopeful and idealistic 35 years later when he left Irish political life so he could make a vital contribution on the world stage as EU ambassador to the United States.

In the years in between, he helped to make this country a better place. He had a vision of how to fix problems and he brought a long-term plan for the nation perspective to his work as a TD, a Parliamentary Secretary, a Minister in some of the toughest Departments and especially as Taoiseach. As Minister for Finance in the 1980s, he started the difficult job of repairing our public finances. As Minister for Industry and Energy, he overhauled Irish company law and provided the means for economic growth by enacting new industrial development legislation. As Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism, he created new opportunities for Irish business and helped to open our country and economy to the world.

But as Taoiseach, John Bruton changed our country forever and for the better. His knowledge, understanding and deep love of history shone through and helped to guide him as he worked to create a fairer, more peaceful and more prosperous future for us all. As Taoiseach between 1994 and 1997, John Bruton led a partnership Government – a rainbow coalition with Labour and Democratic Left – that set our country on a path to peace and prosperity. Before he took office, economic growth was slow and stuttered. Thanks to the policies of the rainbow Government, it took off spectacularly in a strong and sustainable way. I believe he helped to lay the foundations for much of the economic prosperity we enjoy today.

It is probably no surprise to those of us who knew him well that he called his collections of essays and articles Faith in Politics. John believed in democracy and believed passionately that politics was a noble pursuit that could change lives for the better. In the framework document that he negotiated with John Major as Prime Minister, we see elements of what later became the Good Friday Agreement – an assembly of 90 members elected by proportional representation, weighted majorities for decision making and North-South bodies, all to be endorsed in a referendum to ensure democratic legitimacy. He detested all forms of violence against other people and worked tirelessly to bring a lasting peace to our island. He reached out to the unionist community – the British minority on our island – because he genuinely believed that this should be a shared island in which all identities would be respected, and he stood up to those who taunted him for believing in the power of constitutional and democratic means rather than coercion or force. He advocated a new patriotism and opposed narrow nationalism. While these perspectives are now held by the majority of people, that was not always the case, and he was willing to lead, even when it meant going against the grain and being unpopular – principles not populism, policy solutions, never performative politics.

He met with then Prince Charles, now King Charles III, in Dublin, the first official visit of a member of the British royal family since independence. Some people mocked that and others boycotted it. In later years that followed, they followed his lead. It was an important act of reconciliation and helped pave the way for the official visit of Queen Elizabeth some 16 years later.

John Bruton had faith in politics and faith in people and was a man of deep personal faith and conviction. He made a crucial radio address to the Irish people in the days leading up to the divorce referendum in 1995 calling for a "Yes" vote. I remember it well. He spoke from the heart as he reminded listeners that "the essence of Christianity ... is the virtue of charity". It was precisely because of his faith that he understood the power of forgiveness and the importance of compassion, and that shone through. I believe it convinced many people who were wavering to vote "Yes", and I think the country might not be the modern society it is today had that referendum been lost. I genuinely believe that the sincerity of his appeal, from someone whose sincerity could never be doubted, was crucial that week.

In September 1996, John Bruton was invited to speak before a joint session of the US Congress, a rare honour for European Heads of Government. He made a powerful plea for peace and reconciliation on our island. "Never again", he said, a sentiment which continues to inspire all of us today. The solution to the Troubles and so many other problems on our island, he believed, was learning to live with difference. John Bruton helped teach us the importance of living with difference, whether it was with those who had a different religion or political viewpoint or those with different personal circumstances and beliefs. He was a Christian Democrat in the European tradition, who led with compassion and, in doing so, helped to make Ireland a better and fairer place.

I believe the rainbow coalition of 1994 to 1997 was one of our finest governments, but, as we know, it was not returned in the general election. Fine Gael increased its number of seats by nine but it was not enough to form a coalition. John remained on as leader of the party for another four years but he was never Taoiseach again. Despite the way things ended, however, he never lost his faith in politics. While his public persona was often intellectual and serious, as a person he was always good company, funny, witty, gregarious, sociable, self-deprecating, and with a distinctive and infectious laugh.

He continued to radiate optimism and confidence and continued to inspire those around him as he worked to improve the lives of others. As vice-president of the European People's Party, he spoke around the world on European and Irish economic and political developments. He also helped draft the proposed European constitution which was signed in Rome in October 2004. I remember well meeting him when I was a youth delegate to that convention. He was a respected voice on the world stage and was asked later that year to leave politics in Ireland to become the European Union's ambassador to the United States. He accepted because he knew he could make a difference and he always had more to offer. He helped explain to everyone, from the President, to Congress, to local school groups and students, the importance of free trade, free enterprise and multilateralism for all our countries, as well as the Euro-Atlantic partnership. I will never forget having dinner with him and Finola in his residence in Washington DC, nor the fact that he found time to do so with two young councillors who happened to be visiting town. Always persuasive, he showed how the EU benefited the US economy and security and was good for American jobs, and it was a hugely successful five-year term.

When he came back to Ireland, he continued to be an influential and courageous voice on subjects that meant the most to him, whether that was historical commemorations or the threat posed by Brexit. He put people before politics and principle before party. A few months after the Brexit referendum, he joined with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and spoke before the House of Lords committee in Britain about the impact Brexit could have on Ireland and how dangerous it was that Northern Ireland had not been considered properly when the matter was being voted on. He was active to the end, a patriot who was guided by a love of country, not fear or hatred of others. He wanted the best for Ireland and he did so much to make this a better country.

My condolences to his beloved wife, Finola, their children, Juliana, Emily, Mary-Elizabeth and Matthew, their grandchildren and all their family and friends.

Special mention must be made of his brother, Richard, and sister, Mary. For a family to contribute one remarkable politician to Irish politics is impressive, but to contribute two is extraordinary. In many ways, the Bruton family exemplify all that is best about Irish politics. Their belief in public service and ideas in making a difference is as great a legacy as all they contributed in terms of policy and legislation.

John Bruton will always be remembered for his service to our country. He had faith in politics to make a difference, and he was right. Today we let his family know that his faith was not misplaced. All of us, on all political sides, will continue to fight for what we believe is just and right, even if we do not always agree. We will work to make Ireland a better, more prosperous and fairer place, seek to advance the cause of peace and reconciliation on our island and keep Ireland's place at the heart of Europe. That is the legacy of John Bruton, and we will make it ours, too. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal agus dílis. Slán agus beannacht, a sheanchara.

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