IFA President Francie Gorman has paid tribute to the former Taoiseach John Bruton, who has died.
The Fine Gael politician served as Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 and led the party from 1990 to 2001.
Bruton was first elected to Dáil Éireann as a TD for the Meath constituency in 1969, and served continuously until his retirement from domestic politics in 2004.
He served as the Ambassador of the European Union to the United States from 2004 to 2009, and is a former vice-president of the European People’s Party (EPP).
“Through his farming background, John Bruton displayed a deep insight into farming issues and recognised the importance of the agriculture sector to the economy.
“He was always accessible to IFA and he was receptive to our policy proposals for the future development of the sector,” he said.
Francie Gorman said John Bruton had kept a watching brief on farming matters during his term as Taoiseach from 1994 and 1997 and ensured that Government policy around inheritance was applied equally to farm families.
“His contribution to Irish politics will be remembered as having made a difference,” he said.
“My predecessors Alan Gillis and John Donnelly would have had many interactions with John Bruton during his time as Fine Gael leader and as Taoiseach.
“Both would say that he was very committed to addressing the issues that confronted them,” he said.
The IFA President said John Bruton served as EU Ambassador to the USA in more recent years. “His experience and diplomacy were very important in conveying the EU’s position in Washington,” he said.
“On behalf of all in IFA, I want to express my sympathies to John’s wife Finola, his children, and his wider family and friends,” he said.
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