Northern Ireland's newly-installed first minister Michelle O'Neill and her deputy, Emma Little-Pengelly, were among the political figures at the funeral with Mr Bruton's family.
Saturday 10 February 2024 13:33, UK
Ireland's former taoiseach John Bruton has been laid to rest at a state funeral in his hometown of Dunboyne, County Meath.
Mr Bruton, who served as taoiseach from 1994 to 1997, died peacefully in hospital at the age of 76 on Tuesday.
His funeral was attended by politicians past and present, with current Taoiseach Leo Varadkar among those who arrived at Saints Peter and Paul's Church on Saturday morning.
Irish President Michael D Higgins was also present to pay his respects, as were Northern Ireland's newly-installed first minister Michelle O'Neill and her deputy, Emma Little-Pengelly.
They joined Mr Bruton's wife, Finola, his childrenMatthew, Juliana, Emily and Mary-Elizabethhis brother, former minister Richard Bruton, and his grandchildren at the funeral.
Other political figures in attendance included Bertie Ahern and Enda Kenny, who both once served as taoiseach, and Irish Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik.
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In the homily, Father Bruce Bradley described Mr Bruton as "an exceptionally good man".
He said: "John was honest and honourable, patient and persevering, courageous and committed, 'willing to lead even when it meant going against the grain', as the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said, humble and unassuming, a man of integrity and truth."
After the service, Mr Bruton's coffindraped in the Irish flagwas carried out of the church to the burial.
Mr Bruton's family was at his side when he died following a period of long illness.
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