Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Civil Engagement Group, I want to join in the expressions of sympathy to the family and friends of the former Taoiseach, John Bruton, following his passing yesterday, in particular, his wife, Finola, his children, his grandchildren, his sister and, indeed, our own colleague, Deputy Richard Bruton, who I serve with on the climate committee.

As a TD, as a Minister holding many Ministries, as ambassador for Europe and as Taoiseach, John Bruton's life was one that was dedicated to public service and to our shared national and international institutions. His commitment to the European Union has been discussed and highlighted by others, including his role in Ireland's Presidency of the European Union in 1996. It is worth noting his contribution, as a representative of these Houses, to the European convention which drafted the then-proposed EU constitution, and the support that he expressed at that time for more democratic accountability and citizen input in our shared Union. These discussions are ongoing in the Future of Europe process and discussions that are still being held today.

His contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process has been highlighted. What has been described very eloquently by others, as well as the work of peace, is the fact that to take a position in favour of peace even with absolutely diverse perspectives - diverse perspectives as to goals or as to means - to be able to look at that and work for peace is, in fact, a brave thing and is a contribution.It is something that can be forgotten sometimes in the language of war and militarism, wherein military action is how one takes serious action, when we know that deep, long, difficult work for peace is extraordinarily brave. He was a strong example of someone who did the work of peace. His commitment to that process and to the EU was immense. Nationally, he was the Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 of a Government which made lasting, significant decisions and changes in Irish society which continue to have a positive impact on people's lives. To pick just two examples, I looked at free university legislation and the equality legislation. These are things that can perhaps be taken for granted but they were, in fact, seismic, ambitious ideas that came in under his watch as Taoiseach.

He was somebody who recognised in a compassionate way the diverse complexities of people's lives. That was seen in the divorce referendum where somebody who may be coming from a personally conservative position was able to recognise compassionately the realities of people's lives and to help and contribute, as others have highlighted, to the passing of that progressive referendum and the granting of the right to divorce.

John Bruton's commitment to democracy, both internationally and nationally, and the fact that he was a strong voice for Ireland and indeed for Europe, his commitment to our country and our shared institutions, and his authenticity and sincerity in the way that he delivered public service, is something that leaves a lasting legacy. I add very sincerely the wishes of all the Civil Engagement Group today and extend our sympathies not just to the friends and family but also to his colleagues in Fine Gael.