John Bruton

John Bruton is European Union Ambassador to the United States and a former Prime Minister of Ireland (1994-1997). He was deeply involved in the Northern Irish Peace Process leading to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and presided over a successful Irish European Union Presidency in 1996 helping to finalize the Stability and Growth Pact, which governs the management of the single European currency. Before being appointed Ambassador to the United States, John Bruton served as a leading member of the caucus that drafted the European Constitution and was Vice President of the European People's Party from 1999 to 2005. He was first elected to the Irish Parliament ("Dáil Éireann") in 1969 at the age of 22 as a member of the Fine Gael Party, becoming its leader in 1990 and leading it into government in 1994. He previously served as Ireland’s Minister for Finance (1981-1982 & 1986-1987); Minister for Industry & Energy (1982-1983); Minister for Trade, Commerce & Tourism (1983-1986). He resigned his seat effective November 1, 2004 to take up appointment as European Union Head of Delegation in the United States. (2005)

Events

October 26, 2005