John Bruton ought to ‘fade away’ like General MacArthur

When one reads the incisive analysis of the 1985 Dunne’s Stores strike (Irish Examiner, January 1), it reveals the full extent of former Taoiseach, John Bruton’s fluid and self-serving analysis of global politics.

On July 23 1985, Mr Bruton, in his role as Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Transport admonished Ruairí Quinn, the minister for Labour, for daring to suggest the Irish should consider banning the importation of South African fruit and vegetables due to the abhorrent imposition of apartheid.

He warned there would be no gain for Irish exports but there were potential dangers that Ireland could breach EEC legislation and international trade agreements as well as face possible retaliation by South Africa, which was “a hefty net importer of Irish goods”.