DENIS NAUGHTEN was just 24 when he was first elected to the Dáil in Longford-Roscommon in 1997. He was the youngest TD elected to that Dáil, having been the youngest ever representative in the Seanad when elected to the Upper House in a byelection in January 1997.
Born in Drum, Co Roscommon, he is the son of the late Liam Naughten, who was a Fine
Gael deputy in the 1980s, and followed in the footsteps of his father by starting his political career on the local county council. Now 38, the former research scientist was re-elected to the Dáil in 2007 and delivered a second seat for the party for the second time. He was appointed Fine Gael spokesman on immigration and integration, but lost this post after backing the failed heave against Enda Kenny last year. A magnanimous Kenny later appointed him as junior health spokesman.
He topped the poll on first preferences in the election last February and was appointed to chair the health committee. Mr Naughten attended UCD and UCC, where he studied food microbiology. He lives in Roscommon town with his wife Mary Tiernan and their three young children.
