Former Irish premier John Bruton has died aged 76 after long illness
Former Irish premier John Bruton has died aged 76
PA
The former Irish taoiseach John Bruton has died aged 76 following a long illness, his family have said.
Bruton served as Taoiseach from 1994 until 1997.
In a statement, his family said: "It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the death of former Taoiseach John Bruton.
"He died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his loving family, early this morning following a long illness.
Former Prime Minister John Major (left) greets his Irish counterpart John Bruton (right) at Downing Street
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"He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot.
"We will miss him greatly."
"John is survived by his wife, Finola, son Matthew and daughters; Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren, sons-in-law, his brother, Richard and sister, Mary, nieces, nephews, many cousins and extended family."
He was born in Dublin on 18 May 1947.
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John Bruton giving a speech with former President Bill Clinton
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Bruton served as the Fine Gael leader from 1990 to 2001.
The former Premier was instrumental in the evolving Northern Ireland peace process along with UK Prime Minister John Major.
Together, they launched the Anglo-Irish Framework Document, in 1995, with the aim to progress the peace process between the two countries.
He also led the Rainbow Coalition government, which also involved Labour and Democratic Left, between December 1994 and June 1997.
He also led the Rainbow Coalition government, which also involved Labour and Democratic Left, between December 1994 and June 1997
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In 1997, he did not return to power, after Bertie Ahern’s Fianna Fáil won the first of three straight general elections.
However, he remained as party leader for an additional four years.
Bruton went on to serve as the EU’s ambassador to the US from 2004 to 2009.
He was also a former vice-president of the European People's Party (EPP).