SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 426
WHEREAS, Ambassador John Bruton, Head of the Delegation of
the Commission of the European Community in the United States of
America, is visiting Texas, and this occasion provides a welcome
opportunity to honor the many achievements of this admired
political leader and statesman; and
WHEREAS, A native of Ireland who was educated at University
College Dublin, Ambassador Bruton was first elected to the Irish
Parliament in 1969 at age 22; over the ensuing decades, he held a
number of important government positions, including minister for
finance, minister for industry and energy, and minister for
trade, commerce, and tourism; and
WHEREAS, In 1990, he became the leader of the Fine Gael
Party, and when he led the party into government in 1994, he took
office as Ireland's prime minister; during the three years that
he guided the government, he helped bring about the phenomenal
economic growth that earned the country the nickname of "Celtic
Tiger"; in addition, he was instrumental in a number of other
important developments, including negotiations that led to the
Good Friday Agreement of 1998 that has eased tensions in Northern
Ireland; and
WHEREAS, Ambassador Bruton's involvement with the European
Union began during his tenure as prime minister, and he later
served as a leading member of the convention that drafted the
proposed European Constitution; in 1999, he became one of the 10
vice presidents of the European People's Party and continued in
that role until 2004, when he was appointed the head of the
European Union Commission to the United States; and
WHEREAS, Since beginning his work in Washington, D.C.,
Ambassador Bruton has consulted with the United States
president, members of congress, and other senior political and
business figures, and his skilled diplomacy has helped foster
cooperation between the European Union and the United States on a
range of urgent issues; these endeavors, as well as his many
other impressive accomplishments, have distinguished John Bruton
as a leader of rare ability, and it is an honor to welcome him to
the State of Texas; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to Ambassador John Bruton, Head
of the Delegation of the Commission of the European Community in
the United States of America, and extend to him sincere best
wishes for a productive and enjoyable visit to the Lone Star
State; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for Ambassador Bruton as an expression of high regard
from the Texas Senate.
Zaffirini
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 16, 2009.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate