Former Taoiseach John Bruton has died, aged 76

In a statement his family announced his death with “deep sadness”.

“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,” they said.

Mr Bruton was Taoiseach from 1994 until 1997.

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.

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