Frank Feighan pays tribute to former colleague Denis Naughten TD

Sligo Leitrim Fine Gael TD has paid tribute to his former constituency and party colleague, Denis Naughten TD who has announced that he is to retire from parliamentary politics at the next General Election.

Deputy Naughten who was first elected to Seanad Eireann in a by election following the untimely death of his father Liam then Seanad Cathaoirleach in 1996.

Denis was elected to the Dail in 1997 and in every successive election since in different constituencies including Roscommon, Roscommon/Longford, Roscommon/South Leitrim and Roscommon/East Galway.

“I was honoured to be elected to Seanad Eireann in 2002 joining Denis as the Fine Gael Oireachtas team in Roscommon.

“In 2007 in the Roscommon South Leitrim constituency we achieved an incredible result in electing two Fine Gael TDs out of going on to repeat that feat in 2011 that saw the election of the first Fine Gael Taoiseach for 16 years in Enda Kenny.

“Some very difficult reforms and economic measures were undertaken by that FG/Labour Government including changes at the A&E at Roscommon Hospital which ultimately led to the departure of Denis from Fine Gael.

“Denis continued to work with me in the Oireachtas to secure every opportunity for the constituency of Roscommon Galway, while we may have differed on many policies and proposals around government decisions our mutual ambitions were always to do what we could to secure the maximum funding and delivery for the region we both proudly represented.

“The pinnacle of Denis’s career was no doubt his elevation in 2016 as Minister for Community, Climate Action, and Environment.

“After 26 years in National Politics and at the age of 49 Denis Naughton has made the decision to change career, however with 4 young children and at relatively young age it is clearly the opportunity now to chart a new route on his life’s journey.

“It remains for me to wish him and his wider family the very best in whatever the future holds and no doubt there is a life after politics”, concluded Deputy Feighan.