A gay politician will campaign for the presidency of Ireland in what may be the first contested election for 14 years. Launching his bid in Dublin this week, Independent senator David Norris was asked if the nation was ready for an out gay president. “I don’t see myself as a gay president,” he responded, “I see myself as a president who happens to be gay.” The people of Ireland were aware he had lived a good, decent life, Norris said, adding that he thought they were “a little bit bored with my sexuality”. To gain a nomination for the Irish presidency, any would-be candidate must first receive backing from four local authorities or 20 members of the Oireachtas (Legislature). Norris, who wants to remain an Independent, has contacted local authorities seeking an invitation to address them.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 15th March 2011 - 10:55pm