IFA President Pays Tribute to Former Taoiseach John Bruton

IFA President Francie Gorman has paid tribute to the former Taoiseach John Bruton, who has died.

“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.