Fine Gael 'in mourning' over sudden death of election candidate from Roscommon

The Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed his shock at the sudden death of Fine Gael Roscommon councillor John Naughten, who was due to be the party's candidate in the next General Election.

The Fine Gael councillor from South Roscommon, a brother of Deputy Denis Naughten, had been a member of Roscommon County Council for over 20 years. Two weeks ago, he was selected to run for Fine Gael in the upcoming election.

“Today, the Fine Gael family is in mourning," said Mr Harris. "We are utterly bereft at the death of our friend and colleague, 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.

“To John’s wife Breda, to his daughters Emma, Leah and Orlaith, to his mother, Mary, as well as his siblings Marian, Aine, Denis, Seamus, Liam Óg, Joseph and Dermot, I am so sorry for your loss."

Fine Gael's Deputy Frank Feighan described Mr Naughten as "a good friend, a great colleague and a good man".

MEP Ciaran Mullooly said that he was "shocked and saddened by the news. We met up so many times in St. Mary's Square in Athlone. My thoughts are with his family."

A farmer, aged in his 50s, he was first elected as a local county councillor 21 years ago and was chairperson of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.