Why isnt David Norris electable or popular for Taoiseach?

caseyann

I watched him a good few times on tv,one been late late show a good while back.The man is intelligent straight forward hard and decent.
I read some of his comments about Nama and he speaks the truth.
How did so many people see what Fianna Fail and the Pd's were doing and not do anything to speak out on it and stop them in their tracks.
David Norris for Taoiseach :cool:
Has he got leadership qualities and conscience and ability?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCUuyI6nYcA

Gay pol David Norris ahead in poll for Irish president:cool:


http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Gay-pol-David-Norris-ahead-in-poll-for-Irish-president-103779339.html

Although i want him as Taoiseach


http://www.tv3.ie/shows.php?request=taoiseach

20Cent

I'd vote for him he'd be a great President.

FreudianSlippers

Because he wants to be president I guess.

rightwingdub

He's far too intelligent to be Taoiseach, he'd be seen as an intelectual by Irish voters and Irish voters by and large don't value people with intelligence.

Although I strongly admire his sucessful campaign to legalise homosexuality he's a bit too left wing for my liking. Saying that I drepect him as he speaks his mind something most politicians refuse to do.

caseyann

OisinT wrote: »

Because he wants to be president I guess.

Unfortunately he cant really do anything to shape the country in presidents office.I know he could on international level but i think his talents would be best suited in Dáil with the big decisions of the country,

caseyann

rightwingdub wrote: »

He's far too intelligent to be Taoiseach, he'd be seen as an intelectual by Irish voters and Irish voters by and large don't value people with intelligence.

Although I strongly admire his sucessful campaign to legalise homosexuality he's a bit too left wing for my liking. Saying that I drepect him as he speaks his mind something most politicians refuse to do.

Funny you would say that,i am far intelligent in politics.:o:p
He is one of the only ones i can listen to and totally understand and makes sense.

alejandro1977

http://sites.google.com/site/norrisarticle/

David Norris, Magill Article 2002
Magill Magazine, January 2002, pp34-36

David Norris: The Free Radical.
Interview by Helen Lucy Burke.


...I found some of his views on sexual matters deeply disturbing - notably on sex with minors.

Cavehill Red

Norris was miles out in front in the most recent poll taken on the subject of the next president, OP.
He polled 20% compared to around 4% for that crook Ahern. Fungus Finlay and Michael Twee were also on the podium, so to speak. Thankfully, no one polled fancied John Brutal too much either.

caseyann

Cavehill Red wrote: »

Norris was miles out in front in the most recent poll taken on the subject of the next president, OP.
He polled 20% compared to around 4% for that crook Ahern. Fungus Finlay and Michael Twee were also on the podium, so to speak. Thankfully, no one polled fancied John Brutal too much either.

Whats so bad about John?

Johnny Murphy FF

Isnt that fella a little, you know....

Cavehill Red

caseyann wrote: »

Whats so bad about John?

Personally I wouldn't want someone as President who has such little respect for our democracy as to vote claiming residence in Meath having lived for years in the US as the EU ambassador.
In any other country, they'd have been prosecuted for electoral fraud.

Cavehill Red

Johnny Murphy FF wrote: »

Isnt that fella a little, you know....

I don't know. Perhaps you could tell us?

FreudianSlippers

Johnny Murphy FF wrote: »

Isnt that fella a little, you know....

nope. what?

who what when

Ireland and rural ireland in particular are not ready for a gay taoiseach never mind one who is as camp as david norris!

Chuchoter

He's flamboyantly gay, so average joe won't vote for him. You think Ireland is really that progressive?

And to be honest, David Norris is more of a performer than a a politician, I feel he says the most left things he can to be funny and get attention.

btard

Johnny Murphy FF wrote: »

Isnt that fella a little, you know....

Elequent and cultured ?

Sgt.Peppers

if gay people are bangin on about equality why dont thay vote for the person best for the job rather then one of their own?

btard

rightwingdub wrote: »

He's far too intelligent to be Taoiseach, he'd be seen as an intelectual by Irish voters and Irish voters by and large don't value people with intelligence.

Although I strongly admire his sucessful campaign to legalise homosexuality he's a bit too left wing for my liking. Saying that I drepect him as he speaks his mind something most politicians refuse to do.

I suspect Ghengas Khan may have been a little to left wing for your liking

Johnny Murphy FF

btard wrote: »

Elequent and cultured ?

Ill take a practical, pragmatic politician like Bertie or Cowen over that sort of fella anyday.

Sgt.Peppers

here dont play that crap i have notin against gays my cousin is i couldnt care less
my point still stands

cursai

Hes a decent fellow. Have met him and is very likeable and funny. But for a president he has to represent the people. I don't think the people of Ireland want the same things as he represent and fights for in his public life.
For instance i am a very liberal person, Mr Norris is liberal to the point of being careless in the pursuit of his own personal interests and ideas.
Someone more representative of the common person would be better suited for the role of PRESIDENT which is the role we are talking about!

rightwingdub

btard wrote: »

I suspect Ghengas Khan may have been a little to left wing for your liking

I couldn't care less that he's gay, I've previously said that I admired his courage in getting homosexuality decriminalised in Ireland.

I think Margaret Thatcher would be a little bit too left wing for my liking ditto Ronald Reagan:D:rolleyes:

caseyann

cursai wrote: »

Hes a decent fellow. Have met him and is very likeable and funny. But for a president he has to represent the people. I don't think the people of Ireland want the same things as he represent and fights for in his public life.
For instance i am a very liberal person, Mr Norris is liberal to the point of being careless in the pursuit of his own personal interests and ideas.
Someone more representative of the common person would be better suited for the role of PRESIDENT which is the role we are talking about!

While i appreciate your view point,it is about him becoming Taoiseach and why not?
We can have the presidency debate meshed in but what you think about him as Taoiseach?
I think he although would be working for his own issues,i do believe he would for all people.

caseyann

Cavehill Red wrote: »

Personally I wouldn't want someone as President who has such little respect for our democracy as to vote claiming residence in Meath having lived for years in the US as the EU ambassador.
In any other country, they'd have been prosecuted for electoral fraud.

But how did he do that?

Johnny Murphy FF

Wouldnt the catholic church be against this?

caseyann

crayolastereo wrote: »

He's flamboyantly gay, so average joe won't vote for him. You think Ireland is really that progressive?

And to be honest, David Norris is more of a performer than a a politician, I feel he says the most left things he can to be funny and get attention.

I disagree,i think he is exactly what the average joe will respect and understand.He is intellectual far beyond his counterparts and he speaks in a manner everyone understands which is also enlightening.He brings an element of fun real and smart and strong all into one.

caseyann

Johnny Murphy FF wrote: »

Wouldnt the catholic church be against this?

Are they against him for president?
It is nothing to do with catholic church who is voted where.

FreudianSlippers

Johnny Murphy FF wrote: »

Wouldnt the catholic church be against this?

Who cares about the Catholic church?

cursai

caseyann wrote: »

While i appreciate your view point,it is about him becoming Taoiseach and why not?
We can have the presidency debate meshed in but what you think about him as Taoiseach?
I think he although would be working for his own issues,i do believe he would for all people.

Sorry i got so mixed up with the two parallel Issues. For Taoiseach? I think hed be another Brian Cowen. A parody of himself. Probably very sincere in his ideas in private life but a puppet for stronger and more intelligent(less sincere) characters in public life!

DHYNZY

I think he isn't suitable for one very obvious reason, and that he has no outstanding experience in economic/financial situations. I know you can argue that neither had FF in the past 20 years, but at least the previous Taoiseachs held the Minister for Finance role before assuming premiership.

I think Norris would make a wonderful leading politician. But unfortunately the Irish political system doesn't cater for idealistic non-partisan runners. He is best suited to the presidency.

And for someone to say he doesn't represent the Irish people I think is shockingly inaccurate. We are one of the most tolerant nations on Earth, and having an openly homosexual president would keep up this tradition. That being said, I don't like focusing on his sexuality too much as I don't see it as all that important. We need someone who gives foreign countries confidence in Ireland, and as already mentioned who better than someone as eloquent as Norris? He is tremendously likable and has achieved a lot in his position as senator, which in itself is not a position to make drastic changes.

mike65

Why isnt David Norris electable or popular for Taoiseach?

Probably something to do with him not being a TD and being an independent Senator, he ain't got no party to lead into power.

Euro_Kraut

He is not a member of a political party. He would have to join one, become leader and then lead them to victory in a general election. While technically is it not necessary to be taoiseach without being in a party it is pretty unlikely.

Also he would have to get elected to that Dail. He is currently just a Seanad member.

Sorry for being all practical about this

To be honest I think he is more presidential material than prime minister.

amacachi

OisinT wrote: »

Who cares about the Catholic church?

The Jews? I dunno, most "Catholics" don't seem to anyway.

Euro_Kraut

Sgt.Peppers wrote: »

if gay people are bangin on about equality why dont thay vote for the person best for the job rather then one of their own?

Maybe he is the best person and just happens to be gay.

Who_owns_this?

Although I enjoy listening to David Norris, he leaves me a bit cold when it comes to selecting a leader. He's very charismatic and pragmatic, but he has that bit of eccentricity that is very valuable in a dinner party guest, but a little less desirable in a leader. Enjoyable as David is, I could see him letting his personality / eccentricity (real or exaggerated at the time) make a decision for him over the good of the country. And, although I generally think that we should govern ourselves and not worry about others' opinions, imagine the fodder we're giving satirists by electing such a controversial leader. I just don't think that now is the time to resurrect our fancy-free, lyrical style completely as we need to maintain as much reputation as possible - IMHO.

I think that a time when our tiger is a bit more healthy would be a great time for the innovative David Norris and he would be wasted in these times of frugality!

DHYNZY

Who_owns_this? wrote: »

Although I enjoy listening to David Norris, he leaves me a bit cold when it comes to selecting a leader. He's very charismatic and pragmatic, but he has that bit of eccentricity that is very valuable in a dinner party guest, but a little less desirable in a leader. Enjoyable as David is, I could see him letting his personality / eccentricity (real or exaggerated at the time) make a decision for him over the good of the country. And, although I generally think that we should govern ourselves and not worry about others' opinions, imagine the fodder we're giving satirists by electing such a controversial leader. I just don't think that now is the time to resurrect our fancy-free, lyrical style completely as we need to maintain as much reputation as possible - IMHO.

I think that a time when our tiger is a bit more healthy would be a great time for the innovative David Norris and he would be wasted in these times of frugality!

I think you're judging his public profile over his ability to do a great job as a leader. I personally think that while his personality is sometimes overpowering he would know when to curtail his flamboyant mannerisms.

caseyann

Euro_Kraut wrote: »

He is not a member of a political party. He would have to join one, become leader and then lead them to victory in a general election. While technically is it not necessary to be taoiseach without being in a party it is pretty unlikely.

Also he would have to get elected to that Dail. He is currently just a Seanad member.

Sorry for being all practical about this

To be honest I think he is more presidential material than prime minister.

So it is possible without been a TD?
Why you think not right for the job.
Someone said at least Cowen was minister for finance previously em not a fat lot of good that was lol

DHYNZY wrote: »

I think you're judging his public profile over his ability to do a great job as a leader. I personally think that while his personality is sometimes overpowering he would know when to curtail his flamboyant mannerisms.

I completly agree with you.He has all the right assets for the job.

Cavehill Red

caseyann wrote: »

But how did he do that?

Very good question indeed. He tripped himself up by admitting he was voting during the Lisbon 1 campaign and someone reported him for it.
However, the Garda investigation never really got off the ground, for some strange reason.
One of the tabloids covered it when he was investigated, but afaik there was never a prosecution, even though on the surface of things it is demonstrable that he was living in America as EU Ambassador and wasn't entitled to be on the electoral roll, never mind vote.

Cavehill Red

Johnny Murphy FF wrote: »

Ill take a practical, pragmatic politician like Bertie or Cowen over that sort of fella anyday.

You should have your own comedy show.
Maybe on Bigot TV.

Seth Brundle

Cavehill Red wrote: »

You should have your own comedy show.
Maybe on Bigot TV.

... or "I'm a FF troll, get me outta here"

charlemont

id never vote for that pompous twat to be our president.. i dont know much about him, iv nothing against him but F.F.S. like !! president !!

anyhow the role of president here is a joke.. just like rest of our political system

FreudianSlippers

charlemont wrote: »

id never vote for that pompous twat to be our president.. i dont know much about him, iv nothing against him but F.F.S. like !! president !!

anyhow the role of president here is a joke.. just like rest of our political system

I am almost positive I've posted this in response to you a few times, but:

In Re Article 26 is a very important procedure and is initiated by the President.

It is possibly one of the most important jobs in our country.

Provisionally

I'd vote for him.

He's a very good speaker, intelligent and likeable.

JonJoeDali

Outside of the white, middle-class, metropolitan (probably iPhone-owning) demographic sliver, Norris will find it very hard to get votes.

I fail to see how a Protestant, homosexual, Trinity Senator can have any appeal "down the country".

FreudianSlippers

JonJoeDali wrote: »

Outside of the white, middle-class, metropolitan (probably iPhone-owning) demographic sliver, Norris will find it very hard to get votes.

I fail to see how a Protestant, homosexual, Trinity Senator can have any appeal "down the country".

I'm not saying this against you, but it is this type of thinking that is what is wrong with this country.

There is so much ignorance in some parts of the country still that it may as well be 1910 rather than 2010.
Ignorance is really holding our country back in a serious way, even in terms of the recession. We need forward thinking, bright individuals - not people stuck in the past who value tradition and ignorance over open-mindedness and reform.

Cavehill Red

JonJoeDali wrote: »

Outside of the white, middle-class, metropolitan (probably iPhone-owning) demographic sliver, Norris will find it very hard to get votes.

I fail to see how a Protestant, homosexual, Trinity Senator can have any appeal "down the country".

And yet he topped the most recent national poll. Go figure.
Perhaps the people of Ireland are less closed-minded than you might think, iPhones or otherwise.

bmaxi

Cavehill Red wrote: »

You should have your own comedy show.
Maybe on Bigot TV.

You need to be careful crossing bridges. ::)

GeorgeCostanza

Johnny Murphy FF wrote: »

Ill take a practical, pragmatic politician like Bertie or Cowen over that sort of fella anyday.

Have you nothing better to do? Creating an obviously spoof username and trolling a thread where people are trying to have an intelligent discussion? Get a life, or a girlfriend.....

steof1984

I like Norris, I think as a President he would do a really good job. As some people have mentioned he is extremely liberal to the point of alienating other liberals.

I have some concerns of some of his views especially around the Leaders of the rising

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/ireland/article7043719.ece

I cant find much on it, and if anyone else has more knowledge of the comment (where it was said, to who, when etc) I’d be grateful. I think that coupled with his sexuality will make it hard for him to get the rural votes

I find myself leading towards Michael D Higgins the more i read up on Norris

oncevotedff

caseyann wrote: »

David Norris for Taoiseach :cool:

A Senator can't be Taoiseach.

jmayo

Johnny Murphy FF wrote: »

Isnt that fella a little, you know....

What, unethical ?
Maybe, corrupt ?
Or perhaps you mean incompetent ?

If you want any of those then stick with your own party, you know the one with bertie and biffo.

kbannon wrote: »

... or "I'm a FF troll, get me outta here"

Problem is they don't want outta here.
They want to stay till the bitter end.