Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Briefly, I wish to add to the collective sympathies offered to the Bruton family, to Finola, her children, her grandchildren and, of course, my dear colleague Richard and his sister, on their profound loss. I did not overlap with John's term here from 1969 through to 2005. When I was first elected in 2004, there was another member of the class of the Government of 1994 through to 1997 and the deputy leader of Fine Gael at that time, Nora Owen. Most likely it was Nora shared my number with John because, not long after my election and perhaps in early July of 2004, I got a phone call and what followed was a lengthy conversation. I am very pleased to say that, from my own perspective, it was always very important to me to receive those calls on a semi-regular basis. Right up until 2021, perhaps, was the last conversation I had with John. I want to recognise the immense contribution he made to Ireland, to political life and discourse on social issues and, equally, to the important issues within the Fine Gael family. His contribution will not be forgotten.

I echo some of the points made by a number of Members on his role in the peace process. Somebody referred to him earlier as one of the unsung heroes or as one of the Members who were less spoken of on their achievements in what led to the Good Friday Agreement. Deputy Leddin referred to a copy of the treaty in his kitchen when he was growing up. That, in and of itself, speaks volumes as to his importance and the contribution he made in the removal of violence from the island of Ireland as a political tool.

His cross-aisle conversations clearly have a legacy which last today, and I take this opportunity to note that we are three hours into this discussion of the contributions and expressions of sympathy on John Bruton's passing. There are still more than 40 Members present and members of all parties and none are represented. That speaks to the legacy which John has left behind, not just to those who had the privilege of working with him in this House but also those who recognised his legacy. On behalf of the constituency organisation within Dublin Fingal East and the former Dublin Fingal constituency, on behalf of my own family and the members within my own constituency, I extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Finola, her children, her grandchildren and, most especially, to my dear colleague Richard, who has sat and listened to this debate for the past three hours. It shows incredible strength to be able to do that. There are, between Richard and his brother, John, some 77 years of representing people in this country, which is an extraordinary legacy, and I would like that to be noted also.

See this speech in context