Former Taoiseach John Bruton has died aged 76 following a long illness, his family has said.
In a statement, Mr Bruton's family said: "It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the death of former Taoiseach John Bruton.
"He 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.
Mr Bruton was Taoiseach from 1994 to 1997 when he led the rainbow coalition government of Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left.
He was leader of Fine Gael from 1990 to 31 January, 2001.
He was re-elected to the Dáil in May 2002 and resigned his seat on 31 October, 2004, and was appointed as the EU Ambassador to the United States the following month.
Family statement on the death of former Taoiseach and Leader of Fine Gael, John Bruton.
— Fine Gael (@FineGael) February 6, 2024
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.https://t.co/lkFIRD0nhY pic.twitter.com/jBBlxER7aa
Mr Bruton was widely credited with playing an important part in Northern Ireland's peace process in the years leading to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which largely ended three decades of sectarian conflict.
During his tenure he also steered through a referendum that paved the way for the legalisation of divorce.
President Michael D Higgins said it was a "privilege" to serve as a member of Dáil Éireann and of Cabinet with Mr Bruton, and described him as a "very energetic Taoiseach".
He paid tribute to him, saying he was a "deeply committed politician, who demonstrated a life-long interest and engagement in public affairs and public service both in Ireland and internationally."
Former British Prime Minister John Major said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of John Bruton's passing.
Describing him as a "formidable servant of the Irish nation" Mr Major said "he was a brave and talented Taoiseach who contributed mightily to the early days of the Peace Process".
"In testing circumstances, he put peace above political self-interest to progress the path towards the end of violence"
Former Fine Gael Leader Alan Dukes said Mr Bruton was a fountain of good ideas and described his political career as very successful.
"You could disagree with him and not have a row. He was in a hurry to get things done," he said.
Mr Dukes praised Mr Bruton's time as Taoiseach saying he held a potentially disparate government together very well.
Read more:
John Bruton: An original thinker with strong opinions
Live updates and reaction
'A giant of politics' - tributes pour in for John Bruton
