'A giant of Irish politics' - Tributes to late Taoiseach John Bruton pour in following news of his death

"It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the death of former Taoiseach John Bruton.

"He died peacefully in the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his loving family, early this morning following a long illness.

"He was a good husband, a good father and a true patriot.

"We will miss him greatly.

"John is survived by his wife, Finola, son Matthew and daughters; Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabeth, grandchildren, sons-in-law, his brother, Richard and sister, Mary, nieces, nephews, many cousins and extended family." 

Condolences from people across the political spectrum have started to pour in online, with hundreds of mourners posting their thoughts on X (formerly Twitter).

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, called him "a giant of Irish politics" and stated: "John Bruton. Taoiseach, FG Leader, held multiple ministries, 35 years a TD, EU Ambassador. He encouraged me into politics and always lead with honesty and integrity. He’ll be missed by so many. My condolences to Finola and the Bruton family. RIP." 

Labour party leader, Ivana Bacik, stated: "Sad news on the death of former Taoiseach John Bruton, who will be remembered for his many years of public service and immense contribution to Irish politics. Thoughts and sympathies with his family, friends and colleagues and all close to him. RIP." 

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald stated: "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." 

Baron John Alderdice called his passing "a great loss for Ireland".

He said: "I am deeply and personally saddened by the death of John Bruton, he was a good man and a good friend over many years. His passing is a great loss for Ireland, North and South. History will be kind to him for his lifetime of service to his beloved Ireland and the wider world." 

Fine Gael TD Alan Farrell stated he was "saddened" to hear of Bruton's passing. 

He said, "Quite apart from his significant contribution to public life, John was incredibly generous with his time and I will be forever grateful for his advice. My deepest and most heartfelt condolence to his extended family." 

Journalist Vincent Browne said, "John Bruton was a decent man." 

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said, "It is with deep sadness that we learn of the death of our friend and colleague, John Bruton. John served our country as Taoiseach with great honour and distinction and leaves behind a huge political legacy. My sympathies to John’s wife Finola, his children and wider family." 

Other tributes include: 

BBC News correspondent Mark Simpson: "As Taoiseach, John Bruton played a key role in defrosting Anglo-Irish relations. The 1995 Frameworks Document was a significant step on the road to the 1998 Agreement. The most humble, modest leader of a government that I’ve interviewed. RIP." 

Seán Kelly MEP: " Very saddened to hear about the passing of my good friend and former Taoiseach John Bruton. My heart goes out to his family. He was a gentleman and one of the best politicians our country has had. May he rest in peace." 

Maria Walsh MEP: "Very saddened to learn of John Bruton’s death, peacemaker and politician of high regard. His legacy of public service will live on beyond us, history will keep his work alive, peace is his impact. Condolences to his family, friends, colleagues. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis." 

Professor John O'Brennan: "John Bruton has died, aged 76. Always very helpful to us at Maynooth including speaking with Bertie Ahern at our Ireland-EU conference last May when he was already seriously ill. A great loss to Ireland. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis." 

Frances Fitzgerald MEP: "It is with great sadness to learn of the death of former Taoiseach John Bruton. He was a superb statesman and a committed European. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis." 

Charlie Flanagan TD: "Sad at the death of John Bruton. He was a man of the highest integrity with a powerful intellect never taking anything for granted. May he rest in everlasting peace."