There is shock and sadness throughout the political community in the Galway/Roscommon constituency following the news this morning of the death of Fine Gael Election Candidate John Naughten.
A farmer and public representative, aged in his 50s, Councillor Naughten was first elected as a local county councillor 21 years ago and was Chairperson of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.
He was most recently re-elected to the council in June of this year where he saw his first preference vote increase by a further 20pc.
The Drum native was recently selected as a Fine Gael General Election candidate for the constituency after beating Ballinasloe senator Aisling Dolan in a selection convention.
A Garda spokesman has said that foul play is not suspected and the death is being treated as a personal tragedy.
They also added that a file will be prepared for the coroner.
A statement on the Fine Gael website has paid tribute to the late Councillor Naughten who is survived by his wife Breda and three children.
