The President of the Law Society of Ireland has paid tribute to the former taoiseach John Bruton, whose death was announced earlier today (6 February) by his family. He was aged 76.

The former Fine Gael leader was first elected to the Dáil to represent Meath in 1969, and led the ‘Rainbow’ Government of Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left from 1994 to 1997.

The Law Society president Barry MacCarthy said: “John Bruton dedicated much of his life to public service in Ireland, the European Union, and globally.

"His decades-long career was as varied as the times in which he served – including as Taoiseach, where he presided over an Irish EU Presidency and several ministerial roles, most notably Minister for Finance, and EU Ambassador to the United States.

‘Commitment to public service’

“He played a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process, having worked with his UK counterparts to deliver the framework for peace talks that would become a significant milestone on the path towards the Good Friday Agreement.

“The Law Society thanks Mr Bruton for his commitment to public service, democracy, and peace,” the president continued.

He added that the Law Society was also grateful to Bruton for his contribution to establishing Ireland for Law, and his commitment and leadership in his role as chair of the organisation.

“Our condolences are with Mr Bruton's wife Finola, son Matthew, daughters Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth and his wider family,” the president concluded.