Elaine Loughlin: A politician to his core, John Bruton was right at home in ‘draughty halls’

'I always loved doing clinics, it was one of the things I enjoyed about politics' — Peace-builder and architect of rainbow politics, Bruton was a ‘big farmer’ who understood ‘ordinary people’ 

John Bruton browsing the 'Meath Chronicle' in 1997. A major figure on the national and international stage, Bruton never lost touch with local politics. Picture: Graham Hughes/RollingNews 

A man with a memorable laugh, John Bruton was just as comfortable in draughty local halls as he was in the gilded corridors of power.

Over a lengthy political career that began when he was elected to the Dáil aged 22, Bruton served in many roles from minister; to party leader; head of the opposition; architect of a rainbow coalition; taoiseach; and European ambassador to the US.