Micheál Naughton attended his first Donegal County Council meeting as Fianna Fáil’s successor to the late councillor Sean McEniff.
The hotel manager and manager of the Donegal Ladies Senior GAA team was joined by family and friends today as he was co-opted onto the council.
Naughton has begun his time as a public representative with a paraphrased quote from John F.Kennedy: “Think not what your community can do for you but what you can do for your community.”
In his first address, the Laghey man expressed sympathy to the McGonigle, Battles and Cassidy families in Bruckless. A minute’s silence was held at the start of today’s council meeting for the three women who lost their lives in the tragic crash on Friday last week.
“It is a privilege and honour to be elected”, he said, before paying tribute to the late Cllr Sean McEniff who served on the council for over 50 years.
Michael Naughton takes his seat at Donegal County Council
“As I look around the chamber I see many faces I have friendships with in business, in sport and in politics.
“Together I will strive to make Donegal a place to be proud of.
“The Fianna Fail party came out in strength last Sunday night and in a lively campaign I was successful.”
Naughton said he intends to work closely with all councillors and TDs to achieve his goals.
“We need to highlight more the proximity to Dublin that Donegal is and to make travel agents aware that Donegal town is closer that it is,” he said.
He said more awareness is given to the Cliffs of Moher over Donegal’s attractions and events.
Michael Naughton’s family watches as he speaks at his first meeting as Fianna Fáil’s newest representative on Donegal County Council.
“The Rose of Tralee festival gets two nights on television but the Mary from Dungloe festival barely gets a mention,” Naughton said.
Brexit is an immediate issue going forward, he said, as a hard border would have an effect on the farming community, tourism and culture.
He thanked his wife Annette, family and friends for being there to show support.
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