Bruton, John (1947-2024), an Irish politician, was taoiseach (prime minister) of the Republic of Ireland from 1994 to 1997. He contributed to the Northern Ireland peace process that eventually resulted in a peace agreement. Bruton served as leader of the Fine Gael (United Ireland) political party from 1990 to 2001. In 2004, the European Commission selected Bruton to serve as its ambassador to the United States. The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union.
Bruton was born on May 18, 1947, in Cornelstown, in County Meath in the Republic of Ireland. He was elected to Dáil Éireann (the House of Representatives) in 1969 and was the body’s youngest member at that time. He served as minister of finance from 1981 to 1982 and 1986 to 1987. From 1982 to 1986, he was leader of Dáil Éireann. He became deputy leader of Fine Gael in 1987. Bruton died on Feb. 6, 2024.
