In the many tributes to former Taoiseach and our long-serving Meath TD, John Bruton, much has been written about his political legacy and his positive contributions in so many areas of public life. It is particularly heartening to see due recognition being given to the crucial role he and his government played in relation to the peace process on this island, including setting the foundations for the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 – particularly through the Framework Document, bringing in George Mitchell and getting the Northern Ireland talks up and running, and – sometimes forgotten – leading the country through uncertain and worrying times following the breakdown of the IRA ceasefire in February 1996. His determination and firm leadership at that time, his total opposition to violence, and his insistence on inclusion and respect for all traditions on the island often met with criticism and derision but his tenacity won out – the loyalist ceasefire held, the IRA announced the renewal of their ceasefire in July 1997 (shortly after John left office) and the multi-party talks were reconvened in September 1997 (albeit without the DUP).
On a more local level, the Meath Peace Group owes a particular debt to John Bruton for his help, advice, interest and encouragement, particularly in the early years of the group (1993-2003). During that time he addressed three of our public talks in Dalgan Park: “Articles 2 and 3” (1994), “The Emergent Irish State: did we turn our backs on the North?” (1997) and “The Good Friday Agreement Two Years On” (2000) – joined on that night by speakers from the SDLP, the UUP and the UDP. As with so many of his writings and speeches on the peace process and on Irish history, much of what he said is very relevant today (see www.meathpeacegroup.org for edited transcripts). Our last contact with John was in April 2023 when we invited him to address the Dermot Gallagher Memorial Lecture marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement (co-hosted by Meath Co Council and the Meath Peace Group). He telephoned to give his apologies and it was then we learned the sad news of his illness. His contribution to the peace process was recognised on the night by Rory Montgomery, former Secretary General at the Dept of the Taoiseach, and this was reiterated by Cllr Paul McCabe at the MAHS/MPG seminar last October marking 50 years of the NI peace process. John would surely have been heartened by the welcome return of the NI Assembly and Executive recently and particularly by the tone and inclusivity of the opening speeches of the First and Deputy First Ministers.
In conclusion, John Bruton was a true patriot and a committed democrat, a visionary leader at a crucial time in the peace process, a passionate European, a proud Meathman who loved his native county and its people, and above all a servant to all the people. Our deepest sympathies to Finola and to all his family and friends.
Julitta Clancy
founder member of the Meath Peace Group