Mayo councillors pay tribute to late John Bruton

A MINUTE'S silence was held as a mark of respect to the late John Bruton at the monthly Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District meeting after the death of the former Taoiseach was announced yesterday.

Mr. Bruton was remembered as being a 'great statesman', and his family's long association with agriculture in the west of Ireland was also recalled.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray led the tributes, saying Mr. Bruton had given long and distinguished service in public life.

Offering condolences to Mr. Buton's wife, Finola, a native of Mayo, their family and the Fine Gael party, he proposed a minute's silence as a mark of respect.

Councillor Michael Burke said Mr. Bruton was very much the statesman at home and abroad. He was a person who had an idea every morning when he woke up and had a brilliant brain.

Recalling his service at local and national level, Councillor John Cribbin said the name Bruton was synonymous with agriculture in the west and the buying of store cattle long before John became involved in politics.

He had loved talking about elections and aspects of agriculture over the years.

Councillor Tom Connolly recalled the frequent visits to Mayo and Knock Shrine, noting how Mr. Bruton was a devoted Catholic, a devoted family man and devoted politician.

A very ordinary man who was also a great politician was how Councillor Patsy O'Brien remembered Mr. Bruton.

A man who enjoyed a distinguished career, Mr. Bruton had been a wonderful ambassador abroad, said Councillor John Caulfield.

The last time he had heard him speak was when he addressed the Knock Novena a few years ago.

A national and international politician, known all over the world, Mr. Bruton had always done his best in all kinds of circumstances, said Councillor Richard Finn. He recalled his legacy in areas such as the northern peace process.