Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

John Bruton will always be the defining figure of the Fine Gael Party in County Meath. In his 35 years as a Meath TD, he provided leadership on every single issue. His impact will continue because Bruton values will always be at the heart of Fine Gael. He knew every inch of County Meath, and it seems he knew every family - or, indeed, every family knew him personally. He combined an appetite for his roles as a national legislator and a European statesman with a huge commitment to individual constituents, and canvassing with him was certainly an education. I never tired of seeing not only the surprise but also the delight on people's faces, more so in recent years, when they opened the door to see their former Taoiseach and for him to simply say, "Hi. My name is John Bruton. I am here canvassing this evening." Every turn on every road would bring to his mind an incident or a story from the past; he forgot nothing.

He had a wonderful sense of humour and, as many have said, a unique laugh. He came to County Meath one Friday night in January 2016 to officially launch a political campaign for that year's general election. The venue was the lounge of the Dee Local bar. The makeshift podium for the occasion was a pool table covered with a sheet of plywood. John began simply by saying that he had given speeches in some extraordinary places, including the US Congress on Washington's Capitol Hill and the European Parliament, but that that day he had finally hit the jackpot as he was standing on a pool table in Nobber, County Meath.

He was humble about his knowledge, his gifts and his achievements. I recall many emails and not so many texts but certainly phone calls and, indeed, letters, something he was renowned for, from him over the years setting out his political views of the day. The notes were always informed, brimming with energy and experience but never dogmatic. He was always courteous.

Often, it was just a simple note to say. "Well done" or "Keep up the good work", something which I know many of us have benefited from. He was devoted to his family. To Finola, Matthew, Juliana, Emily, Mary-Elizabeth, in particular our colleague Richard, Mary and all of his wider family I offer my deepest condolences. He was a faithful parishioner in Dunboyne and Kilbride. He was an honourable neighbour. He had many friends. Above all, he was a true gentleman and he will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

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