State Papers: Fine Gael leader not a fan of 1996 Cork visit

State records show John Bruton was also forced to issue an apology to the Cork-based radio station, 96FM, in April 1995 for his treatment of one of its reporters

Then Taoiseach, John Bruton, (left) officially opening Ford Cork Week at the Royal Cork Yacht club in 1996 along with Conor O'Donovan of the RCYC. Photo: Eddie O'Hare

It’s fair to say that former Taoiseach, John Bruton, may not rank Cork among his favourite counties based on the contents of secretive State papers released for the first time.

Confidential files made publicly available by the National Archives show the Fine Gael leader being less than enamoured at the prospect of an upcoming visit to the southern capital in 1996.