The Taoiseach has paid tribute to a Fine Gael councillor who died suddenly.
John Naughten was due to stand in the upcoming General Election in Roscommon-Galway and Simon Harris said his death has left Fine Gael “utterly bereft”.
“John was a decent, gentle, personable and hard-working man,” he said.
“He had friends and close colleagues across the political spectrum. He was a caring father, brother, son and husband.”
Today the @FineGael family is in mourning. We are utterly bereft at the death of our friend, Cllr John Naughten.
To John’s wife Breda, daughters Emma, Leah and Orlaith, mother, Mary, siblings Marian, Aine, Denis, Seamus, Liam Óg, Joseph and Dermot, I am so sorry for your loss. pic.twitter.com/iKeoKp61uG
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) October 5, 2024
Justice Minister Helen McEntee also offered her condolences to the Naughten family.
“John was a diligent, astute and very hardworking public representative, who would have had a very positive impact in Dáil Éireann,” she said.
“He was a team player who understood his community and wanted only the very best for it.
“I am so sorry for his wife Breda, his daughters Emma, Leah and Orlaith, his mother Mary and his siblings, in particular his brother Denis, who is our much respected colleague in Dáil Éireann.”
Cllr Naughten had been selected to run in the Roscommon-Galway constituency at a party selection convention two weeks ago - having served for over 20 years on Roscommon County Council.
Main image: John Naughten. Picture by: Fine Gael.
