John Bruton

John Bruton is a former Prime Minister of Ireland (the “Celtic Tiger”, one of the fastest growing economies in Europe) and a former President in Office of the European Council (from June – December 1996).

In this capacity, he presided over the Irish Presidency of the European Union, during which Ministers in his Government held the Chair of all E.U. Ministerial meetings. At the Dublin E.U. Summit, he helped finalise the Growth and Stability Pact which governs the management of the single European Currency – the Euro.

During this period he also represented the European Union as President of the Council at Summit meetings with the President of the United States, the Prime Minister of Canada, the Prime Minister of Japan, the Prime Minister of Korea, the Prime Minister of China, the Prime Minister of Israel and Chairman Arafat of the Palestinian Authority.

John Bruton was elected Taoiseach, (Prime Minister) of Ireland in December 1994. His administration was a three party Coalition Government comprising Fine Gael, the Labour Party and Democratic Left and he held that office until 1997.

As Prime Minister, he was responsible for the introduction of the new Corporate Tax policy (12.5% on all companies) which underlies Ireland’s current economic success. He also was deeply involved in the Irish peace process. He helped develop the Strategic Management Initiative (SMI) for public sector reform in Ireland.

In 1999 he was elected Vice-President of the European People’s Party (1999 to date); Vice-President of the Christian Democrat International (1998 to date); Member of Dail Eireann for Meath (1969 to date) and Member of the Council of State (1994 to date).

He was previously Minister for Finance. In this capacity, he was responsible for the reform of the tax collection system in Ireland, introducing “self-assessment” which has greatly improved tax compliance and reduced business costs.

John Bruton has played a key role in the development of the Euro, and as both Finance Minister and Prime Minister, in the extraordinary success of the Irish economy. He can speak with great authority on the economy and on future trends both in Europe and throughout the world.