Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)

No. 1 is an address by Mr. John Bruton, European Union ambassador to the United States. It is my privilege today, on behalf of the Members of Seanad Éireann, to welcome His Excellency, Mr. Bruton. While words of welcome always have a certain formality about them, today in a real sense we know we have among us one of our own.

It was in 1969 at the age of 22 that John Bruton first entered upon the national political stage as a Member of Dáil Éireann. Since entering politics and a life of political service, he has served the people of Ireland in many distinguished roles, as Deputy and legislator, Minister, Leader of the Fine Gael Party and, ultimately, Taoiseach. It is not possible in these brief words of welcome to do justice to the breadth and depth of the contributions John has made to national political and parliamentary life from governance to institutional reform. On this happy occasion and knowing John's innate modesty, I will refrain from any such attempt. However, since Ireland acceded to the European Economic Community in 1973, the truly international nature of politics, economics and finance has unfolded with the benefit of extraordinary advances in communications. During those years, John has employed his own unique energy and talents, in whatever capacity he found himself, to play an active and guiding role in furthering the interests of the Irish State and its people.

Reality being what it is, no doubt he has had his own share of disappointments and encountered many frustrations, but always his vision and focus have remained fresh and vital. He is to be congratulated that nearly 40 years of political life have neither weakened his enthusiasm nor deflected his political vision. Now in his distinguished role as ambassador of the European Union to the United States, John's passion for, and commitment to, the democratic ideal will ensure that his political career continues to remain rich in possibilities and challenges. It gives me great pleasure to invite His Excellency, John Bruton, to address Seanad Éireann.