A Roscommon Councillor says he's disappointed Denis Naughten will not contest the next General Election.
In a statement issued last night the Independent TD said he took the decision for both personal and professional reasons, after giving 26 years of his life to national politics.
Laurence Fallon believes Deputy Naughten had a huge amount to offer in the future of politics but says he respects his decision following years of dedication.
''I'm disappointed first of all because he had a huge amount to offer into the future in politics, but I respect his decision. He has been longer in politics than he's been out and he's had a tremendous run of 26 years continuous election, he has made an enormous contribution to everything. Greatest achievements, in my opinion would be the saving of Roscommon hospital by his determined actions. And by a longshot, I think we would not have the broadband programme we have now without Deputy Naughten being Minister at the time.''
The Taoiseach has also paid tribute to Deputy Naughten for the enormous contribution he made to politics nationally, and to his native county.
Leo Varadkar said he was absolutely convinced the National Broadband Plan would not be a reality today were it not for Deputy Naughten's work on it as Minister.
