died on Tuesday at the age of 76.As Taoiseach he was instrumental in working with then-British Prime Minister John Major to launch the Anglo-Irish Framework Document in 1995, which proposed new relations between Ireland and the UK.He was then appointed the EU Ambassador to the United States, which he did until 2009.
"We last spoke just before Christmas when he was unable to attend the Council of State due to his illness.Mr Varadkar said he believes the decisions made by the ‘Rainbow’ Government led by Mr Bruton"laid the foundation for much of the economic prosperity we have enjoyed since.
"Very open and forthright in his opinions, John had a great sense of humour which was a great help in ensuring a sense of collegiality and that small issues would never be allowed to defeat what was important in relation to the things that mattered most," he said. File photo shows John Bruton talking to Bertie Ahern before a meeting of the Council of State at Áras an Uachtaráin, 28-10-99. Image: RollingNews.ie"My sympathies to Finola and to the family."I know they're all adults now; I've met John back and forward to London over recent years where he used to visit the family.
"If you were in the Dáil restaurant and the place was jammed, and you heard John's laugh, well you didn't have to wonder who it was," he said."I'd be upset, he'd be happy and then the other way around."He was absolutely 1,000% pro-Europe and took a very strong position on arguing Ireland's case in Europe."He believed 1916 with Easter week was a disaster - but you knew where he stood on things and that was it.
"He was a formidable servant of the Irish nation and of peace, and I am deeply saddened at his passing."Very sorry to learn of the death of John Bruton. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.Labour leader Ivana Bacik said Mr Bruton"will be remembered for his many years of public service and immense contribution to Irish politics."John Bruton. He was a giant of Irish politics.