Local TD Denis Naughten was last week appointed by Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny to a key economic role within the party as chairperson of the parliamentary party’s Economic and Business Affairs Committee.
This committee, which will be the key economic think tank for the party, has been designed to act as a core group in developing Fine Gael’s economic policy for the forthcoming General Election and will play a vital role in dealing with the economic challenges facing the country.
“This committee will act as the vehicle to drive and support the development and communication of the party’s policies for economic recovery, job protection and creation, and business development,” said Deputy Enda Kenny.
Deputy Naughten added; “This is a new and exciting role which will bring with it some significant challenges for our economy, and for young people who are so desperately in need of hope.
“I believe that Fine Gael has the policies which can, in part, provide opportunity to business and jobs to those on the dole. With this new appointment I hope to be able to develop the ideas which people have into practical policies which can be implemented by a new government focused on taking our economy off its knees.”
Deputy Naughten’s appointment to this new position is clear recognition of the wealth of experience he has gained across six previous Government departments, which he has shadowed since first entering Dáil Éireann in 1997.
His appointment to the Fine Gael economic team - joining Deputies Richard Bruton, Leo Varadkar, and Simon Coveney - is not the first economic role for the 36-year-old TD for Roscommon/South Leitrim.
Deputy Naughten was the youngest politician since Michael Collins to hold a key economic portfolio when he was appointed by former Taoiseach John Bruton as the party’s spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment in 2000, shadowing then Tánaiste Mary Harney.
