Local Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan pays tribute to the late John Bruton

Local Fine Gael TD, Frank Feighan said he was both shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of former Taoiseach and party leader John Bruton.

“When I was first elected as a public representative for the party in 1999, John was our party leader, his successful time as Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 encouraged me to join the party and to get involved in public service as a member of Roscommon County Council.

“John’s time as a member of the Dail and representative of the people of Meath over 35 years was exemplary, serving in so many roles in government, in particular his role in economic ministries in Industry and Finance before being elected by Dail Eireann as Taoiseach in 1994.

“Most people will know I have a deep interest in Northern Ireland, it’s politics and people, John Bruton’s efforts to engage with the unionist and loyalist communities and his efforts to understand their fears and concerns about this country’s position and efforts to engage and to ensure the minority catholic community were represented at inter-government level was something I admired greatly and I am honoured as a member of the Dail to continue to liaise with Northern Ireland and UK politicians to break down barriers to hopefully achieve long lasting peace on this Island.

“As Taoiseach and leader of the opposition he was a regular visitor to Sligo, Leitrim Roscommon and Donegal ensuring he supported his elected TDs and Senators who he assisted in their endeavours to fight for infrastructural developments and investment in our local communities in the Northwest.

“I want to extend my sympathy to the people of Meath, their FG political representatives who have lost a great friend and motivator but most especially to his wife Finola, their children and his brother Richard my parliamentary colleague, may he rest in peace”.