Former Independent TD Denis Naughten rejoins Fine Gael

Former TD and Minister Denis Naughten has rejoined Fine Gael.

Naughten confirmed his decision to party members at the Fine Gael co-option selection convention to fill the late Cllr John Naughten's seat on Roscommon County Council.

Naughten served as an Independent TD for the Roscommon-Galway constituency from 2016 to 2024 but opted not to contest the General Election last year.

The former public representative left Fine Gael in 2011 after he lost the party whip for voting against party motions on cuts to emergency services at Roscommon Hospital.

Speaking at the convention, Naughten said that it was always his late brother's wish that he returned to Fine Gael.

"John always expressed his strong wish for me to return to Fine Gael which is why I rejoined the party last year," Naughten said.

At the selection convention Moore community activist, Valerie Duffy, was successful in her quest to fill the Roscommon County Council seat vacancy, defeating fellow nominee, Ger Grehan.