An honourable Taoiseach who transformed life in Ireland
Helen McEntee's tribute to John Bruton
Thousands of people in County Meath and beyond will mourn a completely honest person who devoted his life to his family and to improving our country and our world, writes Meath East TD and Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee
John Bruton was a reforming and honest Taoiseach, who put together a three-party coalition government in 1994 that transformed life in Ireland during its term in office. The Irish economy grew at an average annual rate of nine per cent while John Bruton was Taoiseach, peaking at 11 per cent in 1997. For every Irish person at that time, that provided opportunities to live and work in our own country. His government ended a long period of emigration and stagnation in our country.
The European Union enjoys strong public support in Ireland, markedly different to the Euroscepticism that is strong elsewhere. John Bruton, more than any other Irish political leader, is responsible for that. He regarded the EU as a peace project that has prevented war in western Europe for 50 years; and as an engine that has delivered economic and social transformation. Throughout his long political life, John defended and explained the EU, always resisting the temptation to present EU achievements as his own.
John was hugely knowledgeable. He read continuously. He listened and debated. He remembered everything. He was courageous and hardworking.
John Bruton will always be the defining figure for the Fine Gael party in Meath. In his 35 years as a Meath TD, he provided policy leadership on every issue. His impact will continue because Bruton values will always be at the heart of Fine Gael. The man knew every inch of County Meath and it seemed that he knew every family. He combined an appetite for his role as a national legislator with huge commitment to individual constituents. Canvassing with him was an education – every turn on every road would bring to his mind an incident or story from the past.
He had a wonderful sense of humour and a unique laugh. He came to Nobber on a Friday night in January 2016 to officially launch a political campaign for that year’s general election. The venue was the lounge of Dee Local Bar. The makeshift podium for the occasion was a pool table, covered with a sheet of plywood.
John began by saying: “I have given speeches in some extraordinary places, including the Houses of Congress in Washington’s Capitol Hill; and the European Parliament. But today I have finally hit the jackpot – speaking from the pub pool table here in Nobber.”
John was humble – about his knowledge, gifts, and achievements. I recall many emails, texts, and phone calls from him over the last decade, setting out his views on political questions of the day. Those notes were always informed, brimming with his experience, and never dogmatic. He was always courteous.
John was devoted to Finola, Matthew, Juliana, Emily, and Mary-Elizabeth. He was very close to his siblings and his cousins. He revered his late parents. He was a faithful parishioner in Dunboyne and Kilbride. He was an honourable neighbour and had many friends. May he rest in peace.