David Norris Launches A bid For President

[stamullenredmen]

only heard this today hes seeking a nomination,have to say id vote for him hes a change from the usual political crew.

http://www.norrisforpresident.ie/Index.php/

[heighway96]

only heard this today hes seeking a nomination,have to say id vote for him hes a change from the usual political crew.

http://www.norrisforpresident.ie/Index.php/

depends...does he support liverpool? :D

[babbsnads]

I know that scumbag Bertie Ahern was thinking about throwing his hat into the ring but hopefully after what happened fianna fail in the election he won't bother. I wouldn't mind David Norris.

[F@ces]

I like Norris - would love to see him make it. I'm sure Fine Gael wouldn't be best pleased however given their apparent anti-equality/anti-gay stance....

[travis]

Have we ever had a gay president before ??

[Fantana]

Have we ever had a gay president before ??

Not a full time one but there was that time Graham Norton held office for a few months when Mary Robinson was having her bunions seen to. Only time I ever heard the Artane Boys band playing "it's raining men" before the All Ireland

[redabbey]

Would he have any chance as an independent if he does not get a party nomination?

Personally I think he would be absolutely brilliant as President.

[himalaya joe]

i cant stand this guy, absolutely nothing to do with his sexuality, i just think hes an insufferable arsehole who loves the sound of his own voice.

[Anfield Old Boys]

I would be happy enough with Norris in the Aras but expect this campaign to get dirty as the quote below from the website i mention fully explain

During the course of the interview, David said that “in terms of classic paedophilia, as practised by the Greeks for example, where it is an older man introducing a younger man or boy to adult life, I think that there can be something to be said for it.”

http://www.davidnorris4president.com/

[Derekc]

I'm reserving judgement on him until some disturbing revelations are clarified.

[Dubred]

i cant stand this guy, absolutely nothing to do with his sexuality, i just think hes an insufferable arsehole who loves the sound of his own voice.
+1 cant stand the man. No problems with his sexuality I'd have Shirley Temple Bar instead of that pompous gobshite.

[F@ces]

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=2055972865

[Timemachine]

I like Norris - would love to see him make it. I'm sure Fine Gael wouldn't be best pleased however given their apparent anti-equality/anti-gay stance....

Fine Gael are not anti-gay.

[F@ces]

Fine Gael are not anti-gay.

http://www.politics.ie/fine-gael/153699-fine-gael-lambasted-censorship-homophobia.html

[Ron1892]

Personally my opinion of the president is, that alls they do is sign the Bills off, which need to be passed, so in my opinion i dont think they have much influence on the country. Yes going abroad to represent the country i think is their main role, so i think he'd fill the role well.Just my opinion.

[travis]

Why isn't Michael D Higgins going for it, I love him

[Benbecul97]

Why isn't Michael D Higgins going for it, I love him

He is but so is Fergus Finlay...only one of them will get the Labour party nomination.

[Carroll9]

Bertie will get it.:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

[Raven136]

Why isn't Michael D Higgins going for it, I love him

+1 on that.

Michael D wants it,he is ideal for president,idealistic and a poet.great man for the job.

Also if Norris goes for it,then we should expect a very dirty campaign.I expect the David Quinn types to try and destroy him.

He is very smug in all fairness though :D

[redabbey]

I would be happy enough with Norris in the Aras but expect this campaign to get dirty as the quote below from the website i mention fully explain

During the course of the interview, David said that “in terms of classic paedophilia, as practised by the Greeks for example, where it is an older man introducing a younger man or boy to adult life, I think that there can be something to be said for it.”

http://www.davidnorris4president.com/

http://www.davidnorris4president.com

*Note: This website is not endorsed or produced by David Norris. Furthermore Campaign for Conscience does not endorse David Norris for President.

[this]

Well if people are worried about his particular views on sexuality & civil rights then Irish President is the perfect place to put him, because no-one will give a s***e what he says.

[vodkacolly]

i cant stand this guy, absolutely nothing to do with his sexuality, i just think hes an insufferable arsehole who loves the sound of his own voice.

I agree.
Sometimes he's funny the way he carries on but definitely not the type of person suited to the presidency of Ireland.
Look at our current president...respectibilty, decorum
Norris?... a toffee nosed whingebag.

[babbsnads]

Just reading some of his comments there and they are very disturbing. It could definitely be construed that he's defending sex with minors. I hope someone challenges him on his comments. Even his defense of cathal o'searcaigh is at best,very ill judged. He needs to clarify the things he said or he should not be allowed near the race for president.

[bryanod]

Michael D Higgins could/should get the vote here really, can't see anyone beating him unless it turns wacky for Norris, or Labour screw up in the next few months!

[vodkacolly]

Just reading some of his comments there and they are very disturbing. It could definitely be construed that he's defending sex with minors. I hope someone challenges him on his comments. Even his defense of cathal o'searcaigh is at best,very ill judged. He needs to clarify the things he said or he should not be allowed near the race for president.

I read similar comments years ago in a small paper, not sure which... but I couldnt believe what he was saying and nobody picked him up on it.

[F@ces]

Those comments are disturbing - I didn't know he has said that. Can't even see how within the context of an interview they would be right. That Burke family are definently on a pro-catholic gay bashing crusade, but I can't vindicate what Norris has said in relation to O'Searcaigh or minors. Disappointed to hear that now.

[Raven136]

Michael D Higgins could/should get the vote here really, can't see anyone beating him unless it turns wacky for Norris, or Labour screw up in the next few months!

Didnt they screw him out of it before and Fegus Finlay will get their backing i think.

I could be wrong.

[babbsnads]

I read similar comments years ago in a small paper, not sure which... but I couldnt believe what he was saying and nobody picked him up on it.

I was thinking that it's strange that a senator can make such comments and yet the media response was so muted. I didn't know he had made comments like that until I read it on here.

[vincenzo]

I suppose he will need some sort of soapbox if the Seanad gets scrapped, and the juicy pension that comes being president.

[stamullenredmen]

never knew about them comments now hed wanna clear that up pretty sharpish.as regards michael d. higgins i wonder how labour going in with FG will affect that nomination because ya wouldnt knnow what sort of deal could be struck there that the government put forward a joint candidate

[Derekc]

Thoughts on this folks? Getting a whole lot of coverage.

[Sarge]

He annoys the hell out of me but for the first time ever i may not use my right to vote because all the candidates are ****ing useless imho.

Mary Davis may get the nod though if she gets the nomination and i hope she does.

[Sarge]

Unfcuking-believable, Gay Mitchell set to put his name forward for FG nomination,

Oh Sweet Lordy i hate that man soooo much but he'll get the Presidency. Oh i feel sick thinking about it.

[glen]

Ive no interest in it at all have no idea who's up for it even except this guy because he was on matt cooper last night

[miked]

I dont mind Norris but if Bertie gets it ill be sitting in a cell somewhere for a long time because I would be making a beeline for the fcuker with a rifle - hate him with a passion!

[miked]

On a lighter note I see Gay Mitchel is putting himself forward also so................
Vote for Gay or Vote for a gay :) ill get my coat

[Anfield Old Boys]

Norris campaign is in big trouble.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2011/0730/1224301621244.html?via=mr

This might be at the back of it...

http://thesystemworks.wordpress.com/2011/07/24/my-take-on-the-norris-campaign/

[babbsnads]

Another disturbing thing that I didn't know about Norris. His ex-partner is a convicted sex offender. Surely there's no way anyone who knows this could vote for him.

[vodkacolly]

Hopefully, this is the beginning of the end of his campaign.

[Red7778]

Hopefully, this is the beginning of the end of his campaign.
I dont think Norris has a mean bone in his body. But he just seems to have made a few wrong choices in terms of what he has said and done.

[Garrett]

This guy simply cannot be relied up .... his personal life and sexuality cannot be kept apart from the role he wants, we've seen plenty of evidence of this already.

I can only imagine how some of the 13-15 TDs and Senators who had agreed to support him are feeling after this latest episode ...

He's made a balls of the campaign and should step down now, out of respect for those who were initially supporting him, imho.

[Fowler-9-]

met him a couple of times the past 2 weeks through work, what ever of his policies, he's a genuinely nice man.

[babbsnads]

met him a couple of times the past 2 weeks through work, what ever of his policies, he's a genuinely nice man.

I'd have no problems with his policies as such and maybe he does come across as a nice man but his views on sex with underage boys are deeply disturbing and he happily entered a relationship with a man who's been convicted of having sex with a minor and still steadfastly supports him. I'm sorry but in no way does that equate to a nice man imo.

[Fowler-9-]

I'd have no problems with his policies as such and maybe he does come across as a nice man but his views on sex with underage boys are deeply disturbing and he happily entered a relationship with a man who's been convicted of having sex with a minor and still steadfastly supports him. I'm sorry but in no way does that equate to a nice man imo.

I have to state I know absolutely nothing of any of these claims, was just pointing out I though he was a nice man.

[SUPERFAN]

I'd have no problems with his policies as such and maybe he does come across as a nice man but his views on sex with underage boys are deeply disturbing and he happily entered a relationship with a man who's been convicted of having sex with a minor and still steadfastly supports him. I'm sorry but in no way does that equate to a nice man imo.

He's in good company so,along with the last 2 popes.

[James]

He was the guest of honour at a graduation I attended recently and seemed like a really good guy. Seemed fairly left wing with a strong interest in development issues and I thought he would make a good ambassador for the country. Hope he gets things back on track.

[Tarabuses]

He's in good company so,along with the last 2 popes.

? Please explain ?

[SUPERFAN]

? Please explain ?

The current incumbent made remarks about having sex with children as being normal in time gone by and both he and JP2 have steadfastly supported child rapists..

[RobbieC]

? Please explain ?

He protected known peado's, id imagine thats what he ment.

[babbsnads]

He's in good company so,along with the last 2 popes.

I don't disagree with you. I abhor anyone who would protect or defend anyone that causes harm to children. Couldn't give a fcuk if they're popes,senators or the guy around the corner.

[babbsnads]

I have to state I know absolutely nothing of any of these claims, was just pointing out I though he was a nice man.

Fair enough. Wasn't having a go at you. Sorry if it came across that way.

[heighway96]

This guy simply cannot be relied up .... his personal life and sexuality cannot be kept apart from the role he wants, we've seen plenty of evidence of this already.

I can only imagine how some of the 13-15 TDs and Senators who had agreed to support him are feeling after this latest episode ...

He's made a balls of the campaign and should step down now, out of respect for those who were initially supporting him, imho.

not trying to start shite with you garrett, probably just me misunderstanding what you wrote, but what has the man's sexuality got to do with whether or not he's fit to run for president? (personally i couldn't care who gets the job. they're all a shower of....politicians!)

[vodkacolly]

not trying to start shite with you garrett, probably just me misunderstanding what you wrote, but what has the man's sexuality got to do with whether or not he's fit to run for president? (personally i couldn't care who gets the job. they're all a shower of....politicians!)

The problem I have with his sexuality is, a lot of people have jumped on the liberal bandwagon and thrown weight behind his campaign, thinking "it'd be great to have a gay president" without bothering to find out about the man or his history.
Conversely of course, there is the homophobes who are against him just because he's gay.... but they are far outnumbered by the liberals.

[heighway96]

The problem I have with his sexuality is, a lot of people have jumped on the liberal bandwagon and thrown weight behind his campaign, thinking "it'd be great to have a gay president" without bothering to find out about the man or his history.
Conversely of course, there is the homophobes who are against him just because he's gay.... but they are far outnumbered by the liberals.

that's not a problem with his sexuality though, that's a problem with liberals who think that way. i completely understand why people have a problem with him over his history, the things he's said and done, but i don't see how it has anything to do with his sexuality

[vodkacolly]

that's not a problem with his sexuality though, that's a problem with liberals who think that way. i completely understand why people have a problem with him over his history, the things he's said and done, but i don't see how it has anything to do with his sexuality

Whether he likes lads or ladies doesnt bother me in the slightest, but the fact that he is gay and it automatically attracts blinded support bothers me. Youre probably right.... its the liberals fault. If he was straight and had said all that stuff.. he'd be persecuted.
Either way, I dont think he's suitable for presidency and it really bothers me that just because he's gay he has attracted a lot of unquestioning support and his followers have labelled anyone who is against Norris as homophobic.

[Red7778]

Most of the independents still backing Norris while one has condemned his use of Oireachtas noted paper.

[Garrett]

This guy simply cannot be relied up .... his personal life and sexuality cannot be kept apart from the role he wants, we've seen plenty of evidence of this already.

I can only imagine how some of the 13-15 TDs and Senators who had agreed to support him are feeling after this latest episode ...

He's made a balls of the campaign and should step down now, out of respect for those who were initially supporting him, imho.




not trying to start shite with you garrett, probably just me misunderstanding what you wrote, but what has the man's sexuality got to do with whether or not he's fit to run for president? (personally i couldn't care who gets the job. they're all a shower of....politicians!)


Hi mate,

No worries here, we can both have very different views without falling out etc....

I've no particular issue with what he gets up to in his own bedroom, as long as it's legal and I don't have to watch (probably the same way most people feel about each other), however:

He has made formal representations, on headed paper from the Irish State (i.e. the stationary of the Senate), to another Nation, asking them to go easy on a former "boyfriend", who has been tried and convicted for messing with an underage boy.

A) He's asking a government (not even his own !), to go easy on someone who has broken the law

B) He's used an Irish official political position and stationary, to make this plea.

(So, as I see it, his sexuality includes an element which either approves of, or refuses to condone, sex with underage boys)

How can we ever rely on someone who has done the above, to represent us and not land us in the sh1t, or publically embarris us as a nation, in the future ?

We've enough problems with what has already happened, both with him and others, without now electing him to formally represent us as a Nation into the future.

- Hope that clarifies what I mean mate.

[Red7778]

His biographer Joe Jackson says there are more controversies to come. Without a press officer and election manager dont see how Norris can continue. To big an ask.

[heighway96]

Hi mate,

No worries here, we can both have very different views without falling out etc....

I've no particular issue with what he gets up to in his own bedroom, as long as it's legal and I don't have to watch (probably the same way most people feel about each other), however:

He has made formal representations, on headed paper from the Irish State (i.e. the stationary of the Senate), to another Nation, asking them to go easy on a former "boyfriend", who has been tried and convicted for messing with an underage boy.

A) He's asking a government (not even his own !), to go easy on someone who has broken the law

B) He's used an Irish official political position and stationary, to make this plea.

(So, as I see it, his sexuality includes an element which either approves of, or refuses to condone, sex with underage boys)

How can we ever rely on someone who has done the above, to represent us and not land us in the sh1t, or publically embarris us as a nation, in the future ?

We've enough problems with what has already happened, both with him and others, without now electing him to formally represent us as a Nation into the future.

- Hope that clarifies what I mean mate.

i don't see that as a problem with his sexuality though. i agree with every point that you made, don't support him in any way meself. the way i see it, it is a perversion of his that refuses to condemn sex with underage boys, nothing to do with his sexuality. i think that's a generalisation, no offence. there's very few gay people i know that approve of such things. but like i said, i wouldn't want the man representing us for the same reasons you don't, i just don't thinkthat has to do with his sexuality. does that make sense? think i've confused meself

[heighway96]

Whether he likes lads or ladies doesnt bother me in the slightest, but the fact that he is gay and it automatically attracts blinded support bothers me. Youre probably right.... its the liberals fault. If he was straight and had said all that stuff.. he'd be persecuted.
Either way, I dont think he's suitable for presidency and it really bothers me that just because he's gay he has attracted a lot of unquestioning support and his followers have labelled anyone who is against Norris as homophobic.

completely agree with you. i'd count myself as very liberal minded but it does annoy me how much left wing people accept things without question just because it's been said or done by a "liberal" politician

[Anfield Old Boys]

The Norris campaign is over.

While hindsight is great, given the skeletons, he should never have gone forward. If you look at my first post on this thread, there were forces lined up against him. Politics in Ireland is a rough game and I've seen situations where stuff is stored up for years then released to discredit a politican.

[Garrett]

i don't see that as a problem with his sexuality though. i agree with every point that you made, don't support him in any way meself. the way i see it, it is a perversion of his that refuses to condemn sex with underage boys, nothing to do with his sexuality. i think that's a generalisation, no offence. there's very few gay people i know that approve of such things. but like i said, i wouldn't want the man representing us for the same reasons you don't, i just don't thinkthat has to do with his sexuality. does that make sense? think i've confused meself

... Think you've confussed me too mate ;) :D

Jokes aside, perhaps had I phrased the original post a little different, we'd not have been having this conversation as we seem to agree with each others points, so sorry if thats what kicked all this off.


_________________

http://www.thejournal.ie/two-tds-withdraw-nominations-as-norris-campaign-hangs-in-balance-191029-Aug2011/?utm_source=facebook

- he's lost 3 of his initial supporters

- stories doing the rounds he's been told he's not to do the Vincent Browne show on TV3

[heighway96]

... Think you've confussed me too mate ;) :D

Jokes aside, perhaps had I phrased the original post a little different, we'd not have been having this conversation as we seem to agree with each others points, so sorry if thats what kicked all this off.


_________________

http://www.thejournal.ie/two-tds-withdraw-nominations-as-norris-campaign-hangs-in-balance-191029-Aug2011/?utm_source=facebook

- he's lost 3 of his initial supporters

- stories doing the rounds he's been told he's not to do the Vincent Browne show on TV3

seems to be that way alright. think i got it lost in translation, sorry for that. seems to be over with now anyway, no chance of him geting it

[vodkacolly]

3 Independent TDs have withdrawn their support and Norris will hold a press conference today, to clarify his position on his nomination bid.

[Anfield Old Boys]

Word on P.ie is that Norris is quitting the Presidential capmaign. He has a press conference at 3pm.

[bobby benitez]

If scrapping the presidency altogether was an option on the ballot paper then I'd vote for that. Joke of a position that the country just can't afford.

Regarding Norris, despite all the baggage he carries with him, he's as worthy as the rest to be on the ballot paper imo, let the people decide.

[Raven136]

The Norris campaign is over.

While hindsight is great, given the skeletons, he should never have gone forward. If you look at my first post on this thread, there were forces lined up against him. Politics in Ireland is a rough game and I've seen situations where stuff is stored up for years then released to discredit a politican.

The forces may have been against him but there the Liberal media were falling all over themselves to support him.

Media forces or not his stance in supporting a man accused of statutory rape cannot be explained due to the media.

[Kop On]

The forces may have been against him but there the Liberal media were falling all over themselves to support him.

Media forces or not his stance in supporting a man accused of statutory rape cannot be explained due to the media.

Was the other fella convicted or just accused, I thought he’d been convicted?

Either way, what is it with our politicians sticking their noses into things that don’t concern them. I hear this morning Gay Mitchell wrote a letter on Oireacthas headed paper also pleading for a prisoner in the US on death row to be spared!

[Dzer2]

Was the other fella convicted or just accused, I thought he’d been convicted?
Either way, what is it with our politicians sticking their noses into things that don’t concern them. I hear this morning Gay Mitchell wrote a letter on Oireacthas headed paper also pleading for a prisoner in the US on death row to be spared!

PLeaded guilty to the charge

[babbsnads]

In his letter appealing for clemency for a rapist he tried to say that the judge was wrong to say there was no difference between this case and a case between hetrosexuals. Equal rights unless it doesn't suit him.

[Benbecul97]

It has just been reported that David Norris has withdrawn from the race for the presidency of Ireland.



Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/norris-withdraws-from-presidential-race-515103.html#ixzz1TsgE8VBy

[Raven136]

i would have liked him as president but these issues needed clarifying and he didnt do it.
Joe Jackson his biographer said there was 2 worse revelations to come.

Hopefully Michael D sweeps up his voters.

[Liverpool-law]

If scrapping the presidency altogether was an option on the ballot paper then I'd vote for that. Joke of a position that the country just can't afford.


This is an argument that gets thown out a lot. Be careful what you wish for.

What's the point of the Seanad? Get rid of it, we can't afford it
What's the point of the President? Get rid of it, we can't afford it
What's the point of a National Sports Centre? Get rid of the plans, we can't afford it
What's the point of (INSERT NAME OF EVERY NATIONAL MONUMENT OR PUBLIC PIECE OF ART)? Get rid of it, we can't afford it
What's the point of government jets/cars? Get rid of it, can't afford it

Irish people love to moan and love to say things are a waste of money. We should have only one house of parliament and no presidency. If you thought we had dictators already, we sure as hell would have ACTUAL dictators if you take away the balance of powers.

Anything community based such as sports or the arts gets the target of funding cuts, yet that is part of the fabric of the community, of society and of a sense of national pride/identity.

Why can't our politicians turn up to international meetings on the bus/using Ryanair? Because we'd be a bloody laughing stock (more than we already are that is).

Negative begrudgery of this country really gets to me sometimes.

[SUPERFAN]

if he's not suitable to run for president or be president surely he's not a suitable senator/public representative and should step down?

[bobby benitez]

This is an argument that gets thown out a lot. Be careful what you wish for.

What's the point of the Seanad? Get rid of it, we can't afford it
What's the point of the President? Get rid of it, we can't afford it
What's the point of a National Sports Centre? Get rid of the plans, we can't afford it
What's the point of (INSERT NAME OF EVERY NATIONAL MONUMENT OR PUBLIC PIECE OF ART)? Get rid of it, we can't afford it
What's the point of government jets/cars? Get rid of it, can't afford it

Irish people love to moan and love to say things are a waste of money. We should have only one house of parliament and no presidency. If you thought we had dictators already, we sure as hell would have ACTUAL dictators if you take away the balance of powers.

Anything community based such as sports or the arts gets the target of funding cuts, yet that is part of the fabric of the community, of society and of a sense of national pride/identity.

Why can't our politicians turn up to international meetings on the bus/using Ryanair? Because we'd be a bloody laughing stock (more than we already are that is).

Negative begrudgery of this country really gets to me sometimes.

Instead of giving me a big list of things I never said we should get rid of, why don't you explain to me the point of the president? A couple of examples of what either of the last 2 have done between them would suffice.

[Rover 609]

He's in the wrong and rightly has given up the ghost but the way he was gassed stinks and sums up this kip,i'll not be bothering me bollocks voting in it now.

[Liverpool-law]

Instead of giving me a big list of things I never said we should get rid of, why don't you explain to me the point of the president? A couple of examples of what either of the last 2 have done between them would suffice.

I said it's an argument that gets thrown out a lot about a lot of things. I was referencing you saying it should be abolished, which you said it should.

If you want it abolished then surely you know the powers the president has, how could you be calling for it to be abolished if you don't know what you're asking for? Do you know what the presidential veto is? It's very easy to get rid of something, might not be as easy to get it back once it's gone.

Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese have done plenty for this country's reputation around the world.

[Raven136]

He's in the wrong and rightly has given up the ghost but the way he was gassed stinks and sums up this kip,i'll not be bothering me bollocks voting in it now.

Politics is a dirty business.I dont get why people didnt expect anything different to Norris.He should have had a better team behind him and been more prepared for this type of stuff.

Statutory rape is a complicated issue,it certainly isnt black and white but its always something that will come back to bite a politican if he gets involved in a case like it.

I do hope to see a Gay Mitchell get attacked now for attempting to reduce the sentence of a double murderer.

Some shower left running now,Sean Gallagher ffs.

[Anfield Old Boys]

He's in the wrong and rightly has given up the ghost but the way he was gassed stinks and sums up this kip,i'll not be bothering me bollocks voting in it now.

As I said earlier, he was niave to think these issues would not have been dragged up.

[Anfield Old Boys]

Politics is a dirty business.I dont get why people didnt expect anything different to Norris.He should have had a better team behind him and been more prepared for this type of stuff.

Agree 100%. Lets remember Norris has been in the Seanad for years and knows intimately how the game is played.

[bobby benitez]

I said it's an argument that gets thrown out a lot about a lot of things. I was referencing you saying it should be abolished, which you said it should.

If you want it abolished then surely you know the powers the president has, how could you be calling for it to be abolished if you don't know what you're asking for? Do you know what the presidential veto is? It's very easy to get rid of something, might not be as easy to get it back once it's gone.

Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese have done plenty for this country's reputation around the world.

I know what powers the president has and I wasn't suggesting we should terminate the position in the morning. What I am suggesting is we look into disolving the position. The cost involved in running a ceremonial postition is staggering, the upkeep of the aras and its gardens, the security, use of government jet (which was being used when that poor child needed transport to London for a transplant and hardly a whisper was said about it), her own wage and pension as well as police protection all the way up to her death (a funeral which we will pay for). We have a government who say all expenditure is up for revision, well the above list will save quite a few million straight away and unlike other cuts, it won't really affect anyone apart from a few lads who tend to the roses in the Aras. Nothing she does can't be can't be designated elsewhere with the minimum of fuss (I'll do the Aviva gig if replacements are hard to find;)).

[Liverpool-law]

I don't see the difference between terminating and dissolving the position. In any case, I don't agree that the country does not need a head of state. It is part and parcel of being an independent sovereign state, however notional the position is deemed. And as I already outlined, the president does have one or two extremely important powers, even though most of the powers are ceremonial/functional.

[bobby benitez]

I don't see the difference between terminating and dissolving the position. In any case, I don't agree that the country does not need a head of state. It is part and parcel of being an independent sovereign state, however notional the position is deemed. And as I already outlined, the president does have one or two extremely important powers, even though most of the powers are ceremonial/functional.

Fair enough we'll have to agree to disagree.

BTW I changed terminating to dissolving because terminating can sound veru immediate with no back up plan. Cushty number for whoever gets it.

[Garrett]

if he's not suitable to run for president or be president surely he's not a suitable senator/public representative and should step down?


Makes good sense to me mate.

Do you think he will resign his seat ?

[CrazyDaize]

Nothing she does can't be can't be designated elsewhere with the minimum of fuss

Completely disagree. In the Ireland that we all know this would involve setting up a committee that would oversee several other committees, which in turn would set up even more working groups, commissions, delegations.....etc....for every single thing that has to be done.

Not much wrong with just one person sorting everything out and giving him/her a nice house to live in.

[SUPERFAN]

Makes good sense to me mate.

Do you think he will resign his seat ?

I don't think he'll resign and I don't think he should have to but it makes a mockery of his fellow senators and td's,if they can't recommend him as a presedential candidate how can they recommend him as a senator?

[Anfield Old Boys]

Do you think he will resign his seat ?

No, I don't think so, he will be seen as paying a certain price and thats it. If Lowry never resigned I can't see Norris doing so....

[Garrett]

I don't think he'll resign and I don't think he should have to but it makes a mockery of his fellow senators and td's,if they can't recommend him as a presedential candidate how can they recommend him as a senator?


Very true mate ...

Mind you, to flip it on it's head ... perhaps he should resign, for the same reason as step down from the campaign to be President ?

Personally, I think he should, simply because he's acted wrongly, just as Ivor and others have done over the years.

We need a firm set of rules, as to when a politican should either resign, or be pushed imho. God knows, I'll be a long time waiting to see them, but I can dream ;)

[rev]

Don't think he'll resign, can't see him giving up his pay packet without a push

[Lillyb22]

Personally glad he stepped out of the running. He really isn't the type of person we need representing us imo. We have enough problems with all the child abuse in the church destroying our already weak reputation i don't think a man who writes letters looking for clemency for an abuser really sets the right tone

[redabbey]

Would he have any chance as an independent if he does not get a party nomination?

Personally I think he would be absolutely brilliant as President.

David Norris did the right thing to withdraw this week. I do not believe that he is a paedophile but he was naive.

He was the outstanding candidate for the park. Nobody else in the race in my opinion comes close. Hopefully there will be others throw there hat in the ring as otherwise it will be a very dull race.

[Red7778]

David Norris did the right thing to withdraw this week. I do not believe that he is a paedophile but he was naive.

He was the outstanding candidate for the park. Nobody else in the race in my opinion comes close. Hopefully there will be others throw there hat in the ring as otherwise it will be a very dull race.

Todays Mail on Sunday makes some shocking revelations about Norris over comments at a conference in seventies.
Pretty sure it was this that probably was a deciding factor in him withdrawing.
Page four for anyone interested.