Statement from Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris

“Today, the Fine Gael family is in mourning.

“We are utterly bereft at the death of our friend and colleague, John Naughten.

“John was a decent, gentle, personable and hard-working man. He had friends and close colleagues across the political spectrum. He was a caring father, brother, son and husband.

“John is much loved by all of us.

“I have been in close contact with John in recent months and weeks and his diligence as a public representative was easy for all to see. It was always in his blood, but John’s political brain was quick-thinking and shrewd.

“He won five elections and was our candidate in the next General Election. He was elected on the first count with a big vote in June, a fact he was typically modest about.

“John was a passionate farmer and a tireless advocate for the people of Roscommon. We have lost a talented politician, but much more tragically, a close and wonderful family have lost a loved husband and father.

“To John’s wife Breda, to his daughters Emma, Leah and Orlaith, to his mother, Mary, as well as his siblings Marian, Aine, Denis, Seamus, Liam Óg, Joseph and Dermot, I am so sorry for your loss.

“Our hearts are broken.

“May he rest in peace.”