Summarises John Bruton's education and career up to January 1992. Also includes some notes on his personality and personal life. Adds that he is described to be a "conservative" and has spoken against unification.
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ANNEX B
BRUTON, JOHN GERARD TD
Leader of Fine Gael and Spokesman on Northern Ireland.
Born 18 May 1947, Dunboyne, Co Meath. Education: University College Dublin (Economic and Political Science); King's Inns. Elected a Fine Gael member for Meath in 1969. Minister for Finance (June 1981-February 1982), for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism and Leader of the House December 1983-February 1986. Minister for Finance 1986-87. Deputy Leader of the Party, 1987-90; Party spokesman Northern Ireland since January 1991.
An able and effective Minister for Finance who took rapid action on appointment to tackle the high budget deficit and wasteful public expenditure, he is often described as "conservative", his opposition to the "Social Democrat" wing of the party stems from an acute awareness of Ireland's long economic decline relative to other European economies, and a belief that reforms which do not address this issue are wasteful diversions of energy. He is well aware of the similarities of his concern with those of the British Conservative Government and is willing to learn from our experience.
On Northern Ireland he dislikes the Republic's territorial claim and thinks the aspiration to unity humbug. He has taken risks in letting these views appear publicly, at some cost to his relationship with the SDLP.
Married (Finola Gill): one son. Brother of Richard Bruton TD.