BY DECLAN VARLEY
FINE Gael’s Cllr. John Naughten, a brother of Ind Deputy Denis Naughten, has this week 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.
The constituency whch has been redrawn faces a further shake-up from the political retirement of Denis Naughten who earlier this year announced he would be steping down after the forthcoming general election.
Speaking about his decision, Cllr. John Naughten said he was contacted some time ago by the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who asked him 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,” he said.
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.
“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 Town, on September 20 at 7.30 p.m.
