South Roscommon councillor John Naughten has confirmed he will contest the Fine Gael selection convention, due to be held later this month, with the aim of contesting the next general election in the Roscommon Galway constituency.
It follows his brother Denis's decision to quit politics, after 27 years in the Dáil as an Independent or Fine Gael TD.
The family have had a seat in Roscommon politics for over 50 years, as their father, Liam, was a senator, TD and councillor.
Fine Gael senator Aisling Dolan, and unsuccessful local elections candidate, Dympna Daly-Finn, from Arigna, have confirmed they are also seeking the nomination, while Roscommon GAA chairman, Brian Carroll, has been approached by the party to run.
John says, after 21 years in the council, now is the time for him to try to run for the Dáil.
Shannonside FM political analyst Michael Scally believes John is a strong candidate.
John said: “I was contacted some time ago by the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar who asked me 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.”
The Fine Gael convention for the Roscommon Galway constituency will be held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon Town, on September 20.
