Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of my constituents in Longford-Westmeath, a neighbouring constituency of the former Taoiseach's, I extend my sympathies to his family: his wife Finola; his children, Matthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth; obviously our colleague here, Richard, who is so dear to us; and Mary, his sister.

I have great memories of the former Taoiseach in my constituency. I was very privileged back in 2011 to have John Bruton come down to canvass with me and launch my campaign in my bid to get elected to Dáil Éireann on that occasion. I remember it was a very wet night, and one of the first things he wanted to do in the evening time was to go out and canvass, so we headed for an estate not too far outside Mullingar. I remember going up to houses on Millmount Avenue on that very wet night. In every single house we appeared at, there was such warmth and people wanted to bring John in and talk to him around the kitchen table. Those conversations were so engaging and so genuine, given the interest he had in meeting people and hearing their problems at a time when the future was so uncertain because Ireland was going through a very difficult time. He was so engaging and so interested in people. He was a real person who wanted to engage with people on a very genuine level. Every person he met was like a new person, a new individual, with a new issue he wanted to hear about and engage with. He has no doubt left a huge legacy on the Irish political landscape. He was truly a modern-day patriot, a very genuine individual and a man of great principle. That is what we have heard about right across the political divide: the greatly principled individual he was and someone who could really find consensus.

When I took on my new brief as Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs, I had a significant amount of engagement with John because he was so interested in European politics. When the Windsor Framework was agreed, John was on to me very quickly looking for the detail. He wanted to know exactly about the Stormont brake, how it could be triggered and how it would affect the Assembly, should it get back up and running. He really wanted to see the Executive restored as quickly as possible. He shared with me during that period a few articles, a few of his thoughts that he was looking to get published. He was exceptionally engaged.

One thing which really stands out is the public service the Bruton family has given to the State. It is something we do not see as much nowadays. After John retired from politics and took up his role as ambassador of the European Union to the United States, he still wanted to give more. He gave his precious time to the service of our State in every way he could help, seeking to impart his knowledge, to really resolve problems and to assist the State in every way he could, just like his brother Richard has done throughout his career.

I extend my sympathies to his family at this very difficult time. Our prayers are with them now and into the future.

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