John Naughten to seek Dáil run for Fine Gael
Fine Gael’s Cllr.John Naughten has today confirmed that he will contest the Fine Gael convention, due to be held later this month, with the aim of contesting the next general election in the Roscommon Galway constituency.
He is brother of sitting Independent TD Denis Naughten, who left Fine Gael almost 13 years ago in a controversy over the downgrading of Roscommon Hospital, and who is stepping down from politics at the expiry of the current Dáil.
Speaking about his decision, Cllr. Naughten said: “I was contacted some time ago by the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who asked me to consider contesting the forthcoming general election.
“Over the last number of weeks I have been inundated with requests from people within the Fine Gael organisation, both locally and nationally, as well as other local organisations asking if I would contest the forthcoming general election.
“Following the redrawing of the Roscommon Galway constituency, I feel my geographical location leaves me ideally placed to deliver a Dáil seat and I believe I am the candidate who can unite our party locally, rebuild it and secure a Dáil seat in the next general election.”
Cllr. John Naughten has been a member of Roscommon County Council for 21 years. He was most recently re-elected to the Council in June of this year where he saw his first preference vote increase by a further 20% while also electing a running mate.
Cllr. Naughten added: “I am very grateful to all the people throughout the constituency and further afield who have contacted me over the last number of weeks for the confidence they have expressed in me.
“The aim now, if I secure a party nomination, is to deliver Dail representation for Fine Gael in this constituency once more. This will require dedication and hard work, something I have demonstrated throughout my time on Roscommon County Council.”
The Fine Gael convention for the Roscommon Galway constituency will be held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, on September 20, at 7.30pm.
Ballinasloe-based Senator Aisling Dolan has also indicated that she will contest the convention, while a North Roscommon party member Dympna Daly-Finn has also expressed an interest in contesting the convention.