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JOHN BRUTON
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Former Ambassador Bruton regarded his position as an opportunity to further strengthen EU-US ties which constitute "the most important economic relationship in world history" and "the indispensable partnership" in tackling the scourge of terrorism, fighting poverty and working for peace and stability around the world.

Ambassador Bruton approaches his role with optimism: "I look forward to playing my part in helping build a stronger partnership between Europe and America. My appointment indeed reflects the declared wish of the European Commission and the 27 EU Member States of the European Union to strengthen EU-US relations and deepen mutual understanding in this indispensable partnership."

Pointing to important changes in Europe – the new EU Commission led by President José Manuel Durão Barroso, the recent historic enlargement of the EU from 15 to 25 member nations with more accessions to come and the new European Constitution – Ambassador Bruton said, "The transatlantic partnership will be healthier for recognizing that there can be serious issues on which we disagree, both across the Atlantic and within Europe."

With fresh starts being made on both sides of the Atlantic, he intends to work to help the EU and US communicate better on "the vital work we must do together. I believe this work calls for more telephone, less megaphone."

As Ambassador, Mr. Bruton is also Head of the EU Commission’s Washington Delegation. The Delegation, present in the US capital for 50 years, was granted diplomatic status in 1971 and the Head of the Delegation has enjoyed full ambassadorial status since 1990.

The scope of the transatlantic relationship has grown enormously in recent years, and the Delegation’s activities cover all major areas including trade, political, economic & financial, development, agriculture, consumer policy, transport, energy, environment, science & technology, press and media and communications and public affairs.

Biographical Note

John Bruton is a former Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach), who helped transform the Irish economy into the "Celtic Tiger," one of the fastest growing economies in the world. In the year before he took office (1993) the Irish economy grew by 2.7%. During his time as Taoiseach (1994-1997), the Irish economy grew at an annual average rate of 8.7%, peaking at 11.1% in 1997. John Bruton was also deeply involved in the Northern Irish Peace Process leading to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

While Prime Minister, Ambassador Bruton presided over a successful Irish EU Presidency in 1996 and helped finalize the Stability and Growth Pact, which governs the management of the single European currency, the Euro. Mr. Bruton addressed a joint session of the US Congress on September 11, 1996, as only the 30th head of state or government of an EU country to do so since 1945. He was probably the only President in office of the European Council to have addressed a joint session of Congress. Further, he represented the EU at Summit meetings with the President of the United States and with the Prime Ministers of Canada, Japan, China and Korea.
John Bruton
Before being appointed Ambassador to the United States, John Bruton served as a leading member of the Convention that drafted the first-ever European Constitution, which was signed in Rome on October 29, 2004 and is now before the 25 EU Member States for ratification. He strongly supported proposals to give the general public a more direct say in the choice of EU leadership. He was also Vice President of the European People's Party from 1999 to 2005.

Since taking up his position in Washington, John Bruton has met with the President and former Presidents of the United States, and visited with governors, mayors, business leaders and students in over 20 US states to explain that the expanding European Union is good for the US economy and good for American jobs. In Washington, DC, Ambassador Bruton has met some 200 Members of Congress to explain major EU developments and discuss the importance of the EU-US relationship in matters of trade, counterterrorism, public health, energy, the environment and the promotion of peace, democracy and human rights around the world.

John Bruton was first elected to the Irish Parliament ("Dáil Éireann") in 1969 at the age of 22 as a member of the Fine Gael Party, becoming Party Leader in 1990 and leading it into government in 1994. He previously served as Ireland’s Minister for Finance (1981-1982 and 1986-1987); Minister for Industry & Energy (1982-1983); Minister for Trade, Commerce & Tourism (1983-1986) and was Parliamentary Secretary (Junior Minister) from 1973-1977. As Minister for Finance, he overcame a major budget deficit crisis for Ireland in 1981, and as Minister for Industry he prepared and had enacted into law the comprehensive industrial development legislation which underpins Irish growth to this day. He resigned his seat effective November 1, 2004 to take up his appointment as EU Commission Head of Delegation in the United States.
John Bruton graduated from University College Dublin with a Bachelor of Arts degree before studying to become a barrister. He holds Honorary Degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland and the National University of Ireland.