Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am honoured and humbled to join my colleagues in paying tribute to and mourning the loss of John Bruton, our former Taoiseach, Minister for many Departments, a TD for more than three decades, the EU's ambassador to the United States and, of course, leader of our party, Fine Gael. On my behalf and that of the Wicklow Fine Gael organisation, I extend my sincere sympathy to the Bruton family: John's wife Finola, his children, his grandchildren, his wider family, his sister Mary and in particular our great colleague and good friend Richard. There are not many families in Ireland that produce one TD. The Bruton family produced two, and two of such incredible ability. I hope in the days and weeks ahead that Richard and his family will be able to take some solace and comfort from the warmth of the tributes that are rightly being paid to John across the House today.

John Bruton epitomised the ideals of public service. Any objective view of his time in office can only arrive at the conclusion that he was always motivated by the public interest. His incredible ability to form, nurture and continue with great success the diverse Government of the rainbow coalition speaks to his incredible political skill.

Much has rightly been said about his intellect, his work ethic and his decency and no doubt they will continue to be commented on. I heard from many members of our party yesterday and while I was out and about in my constituency this morning. I was struck by the many positive and warm comments by members of the public about John Bruton. I spoke last night to someone who knew him well and worked closely with him. That person thought the word that best summed up John Bruton was "loyalty". Loyalty is a word that can really be attached to John: loyalty to his country; loyalty to his constituents of many years; loyalty to his party, Fine Gael; loyalty to his beliefs, even when they may have been minority views; and loyalty at all times and above all else to his family.

As a newly elected TD in 2011, I remember his incredible leadership on the EU stability treaty. It was a dark time in the history of our country economically. I remember the incredible energy with which John threw himself into that campaign and his impassioned advocacy for and defence of European values and ideals. He was simply unrivalled in the fluidity and knowledge with which he was able to speak about the European project. I always enjoyed having the opportunity to listen to him. He remained generous with his time. That was evident to all of us in the Fine Gael Party. I remember him coming to our think-in two years ago, or thereabouts, in Trim and again he was generous and kind with his advice, views and time. He was a person of deep conviction. He was truly a conviction politician. When he did not agree with you, he would tell you - he would not shirk from that or from a policy debate. Nobody could doubt for a second the sincerity of the deeply held and considered view he brought to any issue. The island of Ireland, Europe, the European Union, Fine Gael and politics are all the better for John Bruton, his public service, his leadership, his smarts and his contribution. He was a man of depth, political and intellectual heft, decency, vision and loyalty. May we mourn his loss, but also celebrate his incredible life, incredible contribution and legacy to our great country. May he rest in peace.

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