Former Taoiseach John Bruton has died aged 76 following a long illness, his family has said.
In a statement, Mr Bruton’s family said: “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.”
Mr Bruton was born in Dublin on 18 May, 1947.
He was elected to the Dáil to represent Meath in 1969.
Mr Bruton was Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 when he led the rainbow coalition government of Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left.
He was leader of Fine Gael from 1990 to 31 January, 2001.
He was re-elected to the Dáil in May 2002 and resigned his seat on 31 October, 2004, and was appointed as the EU Ambassador to the United States the following month.
