Tributes have been paid from across the political spectrum to former Taoiseach John Bruton.
Mr Bruton, who was Taoiseach from 1994 until 1997, died on Tuesday at the age of 76.
Mr Bruton was leader of Fine Gael from 1990 until January 2001.
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.
In 2002 he was re-elected to the Dáil until he resigned his seat two years later.
He was then appointed the EU Ambassador to the United States, which he did until 2009.
John Bruton leaves Áras an Uachtaráin after receiving his Seal of Office from then-President Mary Robinson, 15-12-94. Image: Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ieTaoiseach Leo Varadkar said Mr Bruton was one of the reasons he became involved in politics.
"He was always encouraging and supportive on a personal level, from my time in Young Fine Gael to my time as Taoiseach," he said.
"We kept in touch and his knowledge and experience were particularly helpful during Brexit and during coalition negotiations.
"We last spoke just before Christmas when he was unable to attend the Council of State due to his illness.
"I spoke to his wife Finola and brother Richard this morning to pass on my condolences."
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."
He also said Mr Bruton "played a crucial role" in the 1995 divorce referendum.
Mr Varadkar described Mr Burton as "well-liked and respected among colleagues in Europe", adding: "He knew that Ireland's place and destiny was at the heart of Europe and made the case for it eloquently."
"The whole Fine Gael family mourns his loss, and he will always be remembered for his service to our party and to the Irish State," Mr Varadkar said.
'Open and forthright'
President Michael D Higgins said Mr Bruton was a "deeply committed politician, who demonstrated a life-long interest and engagement in public affairs and public service both in Ireland and internationally."
President Higgins also described Mr Bruton's contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process as "very significant".
"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.
"Always bristling with ideas, and occasionally demonstrating an impatience with the difficulties of implementation, those of us who worked with John, be it in government or in opposition, will recall the energy which he brought to the different parts of politics.
"This continued in John's many contributions to the public debate in the years following his departure from office and, in all of his roles, was something which I always very much welcomed and found very refreshing," President Higgins added.
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.ieFormer Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told The Pat Kenny Show they saw each other regularly.
"We were in the Dáil together... we both served about 34 years," he said.
"My sympathies to Finola and to the family.
"I'd the opportunity of meeting his children growing up many, many times.
"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.
"John and I got back a long, long way; we battled with our job in the Dáil on all kinds of issues, but I found him always to be a through gentleman.
"We were, I think, considered good friends, we worked on many, many projects together".
John Bruton (left) with then-British Prime Minister John Major and Tánaiste Dick Spring in Dublin, 13-12-96. Image: RollingNews.ieMr Ahern recalled being opposite Mr Burton "everyday" in the House as perspective party leaders.
"Even in the last 20 years, with John finished up in 2004 to go to Washington, I used to meet him all the time in Washington.
"He attended the various functions around St Patrick's Day and other times when I was over there.
"I always felt honoured that he'd turn up for a lot of those events, when I was Taoiseach he was Ambassador.
"Then in recent years we were in front of the various committees, the Brexit Committees, we went both to put the Irish side before and after the vote.
"We served on a lot of TV and radio programmes over the years as well.
"So, until recent years I continued to meet John a lot".
'1,000% pro-Europe'
Mr Ahern said one particular memorable attribute was Mr Bruton's distinctive laugh.
"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.
"He enjoyed fun and sport - whenever Meath would beat Dublin... we'd have good fun.
"I'd be upset, he'd be happy and then the other way around.
"I always found him great person to deal with; he had his views, strong views, no doubt about that.
"He was absolutely 1,000% pro-Europe and took a very strong position on arguing Ireland's case in Europe.
"He had his views on 1916, which I disagreed with, but we never fell out over [it].
"He believed 1916 with Easter week was a disaster - but you knew where he stood on things and that was it.
"But you never fell out with John," he added.
'Brave and talented Taoiseach'
Former British Prime Minister John Major said: "I was shocked to learn of the loss of John Bruton.
"He was a brave and talented Taoiseach who contributed mightily to the early days of the peace process.
"In testing circumstances, he put peace above political self-interest to progress the path towards the end of violence.
"He was a formidable servant of the Irish nation and of peace, and I am deeply saddened at his passing."
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said she was 'very sorry' to learn of Mr Bruton's death.
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.
— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) February 6, 2024
Labour leader Ivana Bacik said Mr Bruton "will be remembered for his many years of public service and immense contribution to Irish politics."
Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney described Mr Bruton as "a giant of Irish politics."
John Bruton. He was a giant of Irish politics. Taoiseach, FG Leader, held multiple ministries, 35 years a TD, EU Ambassador.
He encouraged me into politics and always lead with honesty & integrity.
He’ll be missed by so many. My condolences to Finola and the Bruton family. RIP https://t.co/TrVsENIPtg— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) February 6, 2024
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill also sent condolences to Mr Bruton's family while speaking at the Stormont Assembly in Belfast.
"I want to pass on my condolences to the family of former taoiseach John Bruton, who we've just been notified has sadly passed away," she said.
"To his family and friends, we send them our condolences at this very sad time."
Jeffrey Donaldson, leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, referred to Mr Bruton as a "gentlemen" who "reached out to unionists to try and gain a better understanding of our position and to encourage practical cooperation".
Mr Bruton is survived by his wife, Finola, son Matthew and daughters Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth as well as grandchildren, sons-in-law and extended family.
His brother Richard Bruton is also a TD and previously served as deputy leader of Fine Gael from 2002 to 2010.
