LAST UPDATE | 5 Oct

TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid to Roscommon Fine Gael councillor John Naughten following his death yesterday.

John had been a councillor since 2004 and was recently selected to represent Fine Gael in the Roscommon-Galway constituency at the next General Election.

In a statement today, Fine Gael said it “regrets to announce the untimely death of our friend and colleague”.

The party sent its condolences to John’s wife Breda, their three children and the wider Naughten family.

“He will be much missed,” said a party spokesperson, “may he Rest In Peace”.

The spokesperson added that funeral arrangements will be made later.

Taoiseach and party leader Simon Harris said that the party was in “mourning” and heartbroken by the loss of John Naughten.

“John was a decent, gentle, personable and hard-working man. He had friends and close colleagues across the political spectrum. He was a caring father, brother, son and husband.

“John is much loved by all of us,” Harris said. “I have been in close contact with John in recent months and weeks and his diligence as a public representative was easy for all to see. It was always in his blood, but John’s political brain was quick-thinking and shrewd.

“He won five elections and was our candidate in the next General Election. He was elected on the first count with a big vote in June, a fact he was typically modest about.

“We have lost a talented politician, but much more tragically, a close and wonderful family have lost a loved husband and father,” Harris continued, extending his condolences to John’s family.

John had previously served as Chair of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and was heavily involved in farming and the community, and enjoyed the GAA. He has been described as a “tireless advocate” for the people of Roscommon.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee similarly extended her condolences, calling John a “team player” and saying that his death was “utterly devastating”. 

Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice is chair of Roscommon County Council, and on behalf of the Council, he extended condolences to John’s family.

“John was a true gentleman and a great Councillor,” said Fitzmaurice. “We are all shocked and saddened by the news of his sudden death yesterday.”

Fine Gael senator Aisling Dolan meanwhile described John’s death as a “profound shock” and Simon Coveney said his death was “heartbreaking”.

John was recently selected alongside Dympna Daly-Finn to contest the Roscommon-Galway constituency in General Election, and she said she is in “total disbelief”.

“He had been such a good friend to me and offered so much support and advice since the local elections,” said Daly-Finn.

“He was such a hard working councillor who did so much for the people of South Roscommon and Co Roscommon,” she added.

“It was an honour for me to be running alongside John in the General Election.”