Gay senator appeals for funds for presidential race

David Norris canvasses for support and backing online

MOLLY MULDOON,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Thursday, January 6, 2011, 6:45 AM

Updated Thursday, January 6, 2011, 7:40 AM

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Senator David Norris posing for RNLI campaign

Gay activist and Irish senator Senator David Norris has made an appeal for supporters and cash online through his new website, in a bid to improve his chances in the upcoming run for Ireland’s presidency.

Current incumbent Mary McAleese will stand down by the end of 2011 and her successor will be chosen by in October this year.

The independent candidate has asked supporters to fill out an volunteer form online, indicating how they can assist him in the presidential campaign, in such areas as canvassing, leaflet dropping, local PR, social-media and regional co-ordination. The senator also has a “Donate Today!’ feature on his home page.

Norris says he is running for president as he “owes” it to the country.

“It is that same commitment to public service and to equality that has convinced me that we need a new type of President; one who is independent, energetic and vibrant, and who will give the nation a well needed lift at this difficult time,” he wrote on his homepage.

“I am brimming with pride and overcome with humility when I meet people all over the country who are striving to succeed, and I am honored to think that many of my fellow country men and women are international leaders in fields such as science, technology, sport, medicine and literature.

The senator added that his passion for “equality and justice” will help the role of the President move forward.

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WoundedKnee | Jan 09, 2011, 08:20 PM EST

bogsidebunny: You make a good point. Leaving aside the moral aspects, I have never understood why Ireland doesn't go after the father in the case of child support. It's madness that an Irishman can do the business and then walk away and leave his neighbors (i.e taxpayers) to bring up his children. And I always object when I hear a girl saying she's bringing up her child alone. She isn't--she's bringing up her child with the help of every taxpayer in the country.

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esatdigiwank | Jan 08, 2011, 10:44 AM EST

don't fancy him signing legislation into existence; he's said to be at risk of blindness! his voice is unbearable to listen to.

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bogsidebunny | Jan 07, 2011, 03:10 AM EST

Maybe David Norris should go to New York and March in the Paddy's Day parade.....? He'd be as welcome as a roast pig at a Muslim wedding. Many Irish-Americans can't get their heads around the fact that Irish-Irish are extremely LIBERAL. Un-wed mothers and homosexuals are seen as just part and parcel of life. That's why, as a culture, the Irish-Irish are rapidly coming apart!

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katetipp2 | Jan 06, 2011, 11:36 AM EST

Yes I would vote for David Norris. he has always promoted equality and justice and I don't care if his aide de camp (very appropriate for a gay president) wears a pink uniform.

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antoman | Jan 06, 2011, 11:08 AM EST

He might turn around and insist that the army officer that always accompanies the President..substitute the green uniform for a pink one.

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LoyalCitizen | Jan 06, 2011, 08:17 AM EST

David Norris is like any other politician in Ireland and that he promotes human rights, but does not respect others as equal in the eye of the law.

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