Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to, on behalf of not just myself but my colleagues in Sinn Féin, offer our condolences to John's family, to the Fine Gael party and in particular, Deputy Richard Bruton, who I have got to know quite well through our work together on the enterprise committee and who I have the height of respect for. There is no doubt that John Bruton made a very significant contribution to Irish life over four decades of service. Even looking at the range of Ministries he held, including industry and energy, education, finance twice, public service and, of course, Taoiseach, it really was a career dedicated to public service. I do not think anyone can possibly doubt that.

Clearly, Sinn Féin and Fine Gael had particular differences during that time. I do not want to gloss over those differences nor do I want to deal with those today. Today, it is important to remember where we can agree. What I can certainly agree on is John's significant contribution to public life. There are three aspects in particular that I want to highlight. The first, as I mentioned yesterday evening on the radio, is his contribution to the peace process. It is sometimes overlooked and it should not be. His relationship with John Major in particular was significant and crucial in building those building blocks and framework that Bertie Ahern, Martin McGuinness, Tony Blair and others were able to build on when they came to power. It is important to recognise that.

The second is the divorce referendum. I had this conversation with one of my children last night. It is hard to describe to young people today just how rancorous that particular referendum was in 1995. I remember it vividly. The significant contribution of John Bruton then has to be recognised. He was leading what we would broadly regard as a conservative party but he was taking a very clear stance in favour of divorce. It could not have been easy at that time. In fact, when I look back at the social changes that followed, that really was a turning point for us as a country. The winning margin was so narrow at 0.5%. He deserves great credit for his leadership on that issue.

The final point I want to raise is one I only learned about yesterday, which was that I gather the committee system that we operate is very much the work of John Bruton. It is testament to the fact, as others have referred to, that whatever position he had, he took that position with energy and creativity and did his very best to deliver.Whatever position he had, he took it with energy and creativity and did his very best to deliver. The fact that we are still working through that very effective committee system today is a true tribute to him. It is very fitting and right that we remember John today. I am thinking in particular of my neighbour, Frank McDermott, from the small village of Fore, County Westmeath. Frank was a very good friend of John Bruton's. He was a good neighbour and has been a good neighbour to my family for generations as well. Funnily enough, Senator McDowell mentioned the local elections in 1979. I had just come back to the country as a child and for better or worse, I went to Frank's celebrations the night he was elected. Frank has been a good neighbour and friend ever since. I know this loss will certainly affect Frank and I just want to remember Frank as well today.

It took me by surprise. I genuinely did not know that John had been ill. These days, 76 is not a particularly advanced age. I want to join others in offering my condolences and again say how fitting it is to remember him today.