Late Taoiseach 'encouraged me to enter politics' says local TD
Tributes are being paid locally to former Taoiseach John Bruton after his death at the age of 76 was announced earlier today (Tuesday).
Local TD Denis Naughten, who was previously a Fine Gael representative, said Mr Bruton influenced his own decision to enter politics more than a quarter of a century ago.
"It was John who encouraged me to enter politics in 1997, and I was honoured to be appointed by him to the Fine Gael front bench three years later as the spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade, and Employment," stated Deputy Naughten in a tribute.
"John was a man brimming with ideas and energy, imparting his passion to many of the younger members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party during his leadership."
Deputy Naughten, a Drum, Athlone, native and TD in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, said he had been "deeply saddened" to learn of Mr Bruton's death.
"John was a politician who proudly wore his principles on his sleeve, never hesitating to stand by them, even when it was not politically expedient.
"He passionately believed that politics should be a tool for delivering social justice to every individual within this State and to society at large.
"A staunch European, John relished his role as Europe's first Ambassador to the United States, embodying the values and aspirations of our continent on the global stage.
"In rural Ireland, we would say John was a ‘decent, hardworking man’ — thoughtful, with a keen interest in agriculture, and his hearty laugh, synonymous with his good-natured spirit, resonated with all who knew him.
"To Finola, Matthew, Juliana, Emily, and Mary-Elizabeth, to his brother Richard, and sister Mary, I extend my deepest sympathies on his passing.
"John’s legacy as both a statesman and a sincere, compassionate individual will undoubtedly endure. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," concluded Deputy Naughten.
Westmeath Fine Gael TD and Minister of State Peter Burke also paid a warm tribute to his party's former leader.
"John was a true gentleman and Statesman. I remember him travelling to launch my campaign for the Dáil in 2011, and since then, without exception, he was invariably supportive and helpful to me," said Minister of State Burke.
"On many occasions he provided me with great advice in respect of my European Affairs portfolio, an area which he had immense experience, having served as EU Ambassador to the United States as well as Taoiseach and Minister for Finance, among many other roles over his long and distinguished career.
"He led Fine Gael and the Government through critical times in our history, including negotiations for the Good Friday agreement as well as economic recession.
"He was elected to Dáil Éireann at 22, one of the youngest TDs ever elected, and served as Taoiseach in his 40s, which was a mark of the mature politician that he was.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," concluded Peter Burke.