Former Taoiseach and Fine Gael politician John Bruton has died at the age of 76, his family has announced. 

They said he died peacefully this morning in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin surrounded by loved ones following a long-term illness. 

“He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot,” a statement said.  

Mr Bruton was Taoiseach of Ireland from 1994 to 1997, leading the Rainbow Coalition of Fine Gael, Labour, and the Democratic Left and was leader of Fine Gael from 1990 to 2001. 

He served as a TD for Meath from June 1969 to October 2004. 

Elected at the age of 22, he was one of the youngest ever members of the Dáil at that time. 

John Bruton and Albert Reynolds, former Taoiseachs of Ireland. Image: Stephen Barnes/Politics / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr Bruton's first policy initiative as Fine Gael leader was to call for a referendum to legalise divorce in Ireland, which then passed in November 1995.

As Taoiseach in February 1995, he launched the Anglo-Irish 'Framework Document' with the British Prime Minister, John Major, detailing new proposed relations between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.

He was also the first Taoiseach to preside over an official visit by a British Royal Family member, when Charles, Prince of Wales - now King Charles III - came in 1995.

When journalist Veronica Guerin was killed in 1996, Mr Bruton established the Criminal Assets Bureau.

Mr Bruton was also an European Union Ambassador to the United States from 2004 to 2009 and Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism from 1983 to 1986, among other positions. 

He is survived by his wife Finola, son Matthew, daughters Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren and extended family. 

His brother Richard Bruton is also a TD and previously served as Deputy Leader of Fine Gael from 2002 to 2010.

Tributes have been paid from across the political spectrum to Mr Bruton.