John Naughten, a councillor of Fine Gael in his fifties, tragically passed away on Friday. Mr Naughten, the brother of Independent TD Denis Naughten, was elected to the Roscommon County Council in the recent local elections in June, surpassing the quota on the inaugural count. He’d served as a councillor since 2004 and was recently selected to stand for Fine Gael in the Roscommon-Galway area in the forthcoming general election.
A spokesperson for Fine Gael expressed their sincere condolences, particularly extending their sympathies to his wife Breda, their three offspring, and the extended Naughten family, emphasising the sense of loss felt by his colleagues and friends.
The Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed deep sorrow following the news. He praised John for his gentle essence, decency, camaraderie, and diligence. He recognized the profound sadness of those who knew him, highlighting his ability to connect with people across all political ideologies.
Simon Harris acknowledged how John always carried out his representative duties diligently and commended his shrewd political acumen. John had clinched wins in five past elections and had been slated to run in the next general election.
His election in June on the first count was notably significant, a victory which he wore with humility. Harris also highlighted Mr. Naughten’s love for farming and his dedication to serving Roscommon’s people. He lamented the tragic loss of a quality politician, but more crucially, the loss of a cherished family man.
Helen McEntee, the Minister for Justice, called Naughten’s death a devastating blow for his family, neighbours, and colleagues.
“John was a meticulous, sharp-minded and exceptionally industrious public servant with a potential to bring about significant transformation in Dáil Éireann,” she asserted. “He was a cooperative individual who was deeply acquainted with his community and desired nothing but its prosperity.
“My sympathies go out to his spouse Breda, his children Emma, Leah and Orlaith, his mother Mary, and his siblings, notably his brother Denis who is a highly esteemed associate of ours in Dáil Éireann.”
Senator Aisling Dolan, the Fine Gael representative for Roscommon-Galway, declared it as a “gloomy day for Fine Gael as well as John’s kin.”
“He was an exceedingly industrious councillor who contributed immensely to the wellbeing of people from South Roscommon and Co Roscommon.
“It was a privilege to campaign along with John during the General Election. We shared a wonderful camaraderie with the shared objective of recapturing the seat for Fine Gael,” she remarked.