Former Irish Prime Minister and an honorary graduate of Memorial University, John Bruton passed away earlier this month.

Bruton signed an MOU on economic development with Newfoundland and Labrador in 1996 at the height of Ireland’s remarkable period of economic growth known as the Celtic Tiger.

Among the items of mutual interest at the time where the creation of joint ventures, research and development, cooperative training, and technology transfers.

Bruton was bestowed with an honorary degree at MUN in 2003.

He served as the Prime Minister (Taoiseach) of Ireland from 1994 to 1997.

Bruton passed away on February 6 following a lengthy illness. He was 76.