Former Taoiseach John Bruton passes away aged 76

Former Fine Gael Taoiseach John Bruton has died aged 76 following a long illness, his family has said.

In a statement released by the late Taoiseach's family it read: "It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the death of former Taoiseach John Bruton".

Continuing, the family said that Mr Burton: "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".

"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."

Mr Bruton was born in Dublin on 18 May, 1947. He was elected to the Dáil to represent Meath in 1969 at 23 years of age.

Bruton held the office of Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 when he led the rainbow coalition government of Fine Gael, Labour, and Democratic Left.

His tenure as leader of Fine Gael lasted over ten years, from 1990 to January 2001.

Mr Bruton was re-elected to the Dáil in May 2002 and resigned his seat on 31 October, 2004 after 35 years at Dáil Éireann, and was appointed as the EU Ambassador to the United States the following month. He served in this position from 2004-2009.

It is known that he has suffered a long illness.