Cllr John Naughten and Arigna woman Dympna Daly Finn have been chosen to represent Fine Gael in Roscommon-Galway. It came as the party confirmed it would run two candidates in the forthcoming General Election at its selection convention last night.
A party directive indicated the decision to run one candidate in the north of the constituency and one in the south. As Daly Finn was the only candidate in the north, her place on the ticket was confirmed before voting commenced last night.
Galway councillor Alan Harney had earlier withdrawn from the process, leaving only Cllr Naughten and Senator Aisling Dolan vying for the second spot. The Drum man won the vote by 123 to 113, ensuring the Naughten name would remain on the ballot following his brother and Independent TD Denis's decision to bow out of politics.
Speaking to Shannonside News, Dympna Daly Finn said she was delighted to be nominated:
John Naughten paid tribute to Senator Aisling Dolan, whom he defeated to win the party's nomination:
He said he would be be leaning on his brother Denis for advice for his upcoming General Election campaign: