‘I regret that you have spoken in this way,’ British PM John Major wrote to Taoiseach John Bruton in 1995.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar paid tribute to his predecessor, who was an inspiration to him as a ‘beacon of courage’

John Bruton was described as ‘honest and honourable, patient and persevering, courageous and committed’, mourners heard.

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A state funeral will be held for the former taoiseach on Saturday.

John Bruton, who was taoiseach between 1994 and 1997, died on Tuesday

The former Fine Gael leader died on Tuesday following a long illness