President Norris?

Dr. Baltar

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0314/breaking30.html

So it's officially on the table.

Personally, I think he'd make a great President. Charismatic, opinionated and well spoken.

alan85

Did anyone see him when he was on 'Living with Lucy'? He had a younger, foreign boyfriend I remember with limited english.

Is it statesman-like? I don't think so. I find it a little seedy. I can't put my finger on it but I'm not confident in him being our best representative... How would he get on in countries that are more conservative than us? Is it important? Do you think he represents the typical Irish person accurately?

p1akuw47h5r3it

So what if his bf is foreign.

I think he would be a good representative for Ireland. i don't really believe his sexual orientation should come into the debate tbh.

henryporter

alan85 wrote: »

Did anyone see him when he was on 'Living with Lucy'? He had a younger, foreign boyfriend I remember with limited english.

Is it statesman-like? I don't think so. I find it a little seedy. I can't put my finger on it but I'm not confident in him being our best representative... How would he get on in countries that are more conservative than us? Is it important? Do you think he represents the typical Irish person accurately?

??

P. Breathnach

I don't want David Norris as President, but his sexual orientation and his relationships are entirely his own concern.

CoalBucket

alan85 wrote: »

Did anyone see him when he was on 'Living with Lucy'? He had a younger, foreign boyfriend I remember with limited english.

Is it statesman-like? I don't think so. I find it a little seedy. I can't put my finger on it

Its called homophobia and xenophobia

Denerick

CHECKLIST:

Articulate: Yes

Intelligent: Yes

Presentable: Yes

Informed: Yes

Gay: Yes.

Which is why he will never be President. If the election were decided by people under 40 he'd have a chance, but there are far too many bigots like the OP in this country.

Wolfe Tone

Denerick wrote: »

CHECKLIST:

Articulate: Yes

Intelligent: Yes

Presentable: Yes

Informed: Yes

Gay: Yes.

Which is why he will never be President. If the election were decided by people under 40 he'd have a chance, but there are far too many bigots like the OP in this country.

What about his views on paedohillia and the 1916 rebels?



My main objection is that as a gay rights activist he will be silenced as president.

Rabble Rabble

His boyfriend is Israeli, so they wont be happy anyway.

PatsytheNazi

Denerick wrote: »

CHECKLIST:

Articulate: Yes

Intelligent: Yes

Presentable: Yes

Informed: Yes

Gay: Yes.

Which is why he will never be President. If the election were decided by people under 40 he'd have a chance, but there are far too many bigots like the OP in this country.

Articulate: If you like Ross Carroll O'Kelly's

Intelligent: If you like waffle about James Joyce etc

Presentable: Your having a laugh.

Informed: If you like waffle about James Joyce etc

Gay: Some say he's a closet hetrosexual

PatsytheNazi

Rabble Rabble wrote: »

His boyfriend is Israeli, so they wont be happy anyway.

That will go down well if he has to go to Saudi etc

Nhead

Yeah those Saudis hate Joycean scholars:)

z0oT

I'd love to see Norris elected. I also think that it would mark a great moment of maturity for Ireland, it'd be a great nail in the coffin of discrimination based on sexual orientation.

alan85

CoalBucket wrote: »

Its called homophobia and xenophobia

Pull out the P.C. card... I'm nothing of the sort. I have the same opinion of the older women RTé did a documentary of going to Turkey and fishing for younger men btw... I'm not sure if Norris is in the same league but that's why I wouldn't vote for him 'cause I don't know. I think it is seedy(personal opinion) if it is of similar motivations.

Chuchoter

As a gay person, frankly I have no interest in David Norris as president. He tries to hard to get people to like him and to make people laugh. Maybe he should present a TV show instead but I see no place for him as president.

johngalway

Who else is running? Or should we say, walking briskly.

Hannibal

How appropriate that the Arás just happens to be in the Phoenix Park..
I'm sure he'd enjoy the reputed local late night entertainment

Dr. Baltar

What on Earth does his sexual partners have to do with how good a politician/president he can be?

Personally, I'll be voting for either Norris or Michael D. Higgins.

Hannibal

Dr. Baltar wrote: »

What on Earth does his sexual partners have to do with how good a politician/president he can be?

Personally, I'll be voting for either Norris or Michael D. Higgins.

I have a feeling Mary O'Rourke is going to run and make it a hat trick of Mary's. I dont think Norris or Higgins will connect on a personal level with the majority of the people.

RobbieTheRobber

The president is one issue I have little or no interest in, I really couldnt care.
Perhaps we could raffle in, or run it as a lottery and that way make some money for the state from people buying tickets.

Someone pointed out earlier the saudis wouldnt be happy if we appointed him president. So what, what exactly is their interest in Ireland how much trade do they do with us, will they no longer buy our dairy produce if we elect him?


As for Norris i have met him in passing and he seems pleasant enough, very occassionaly i can find him humourous (much in the same sneaky way i find Brendan O'Carroll to be funny maybe 5% of the time he tries).

Denerick

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

What about his views on paedohillia

He basically reiterated whatever every classicist would have told you if asked such a loaded question. Everything else was exaggerated and became a media circus because of the sexual activities of a certain Gaelic language poet.

and the 1916 rebels?

Most Irish people are now opposed to fascist militarism, thankfully. Norris is very much in the mainstream. People recognise it as a part of our history - but something to admire? I don't think so.

My main objection is that as a gay rights activist he will be silenced as president.

The President is essentially a stuffed bunny who says how great Ireland is and says how terrible some natural disaster is. My dog could be President of Ireland frankly.

questionmark?

A Irish president should not have an agenda. The president is there to ensure that any laws passed by the government adhere to the Constitution. I can tell you here and now that Norris has an agenda.

I also think that he is an eccentric auld fool that would be an embarrassment to send to meet fellow leaders. Imagine Obama trying to keep a straight face talking to him!!!

Surely this country can do much better than David Norris.

I'm still trying to decide who I want but I know I dont want him.

goose2005

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

What about his views on paedohillia and the 1916 rebels?

What about the 1916 rebels' view on paedophilia:

LITTLE LAD OF THE TRICKS

by Padraig Pearse.


Little lad of the tricks,
Full well I know
That you have been in mischief:
Confess your fault truly.

I forgive you, child
Of the soft red mouth:
I will not condemn anyone
For a sin not understood.

Raise your comely head
Till I kiss your mouth:
If either of us is the better of that
I am the better of it.

There is a fragrance in your kiss
That I have not found yet
In the kisses of women
Or in the honey of their bodies.

Lad of the grey eyes,
That flush in thy cheek
Would be white with dread of me
Could you read my secrets.

He who has my secrets
Is not fit to touch you:
Is not that a pitiful thing,
Little lad of the tricks ?

Dotsey wrote: »

I have a feeling Mary O'Rourke is going to run and make it a hat trick of Mary's. I dont think Norris or Higgins will connect on a personal level with the majority of the people.

I've never met anyone outside the RTE bubble who can stand her. Arrogant and stupid with nothing of interest to say.

questionmark?

A Irish president should not have an agenda. The president is there to ensure that any laws passed by the government adhere to the Constitution. I can tell you here and now that Norris has an agenda.

I also think that he is an eccentric auld fool that would be an embarrassment to send to meet fellow leaders. Imagine Obama trying to keep a straight face talking to him!!!

Surely this country can do much better than David Norris.

I'm still trying to decide who I want but I know I dont want him.

Mods: I know I posted this in a similar thread but it looks like it will be locked cause this one is up and running.

PeterIanStaker

Electing him as president would annoy the mainstream media, the ouldwan Doe Juffy worshipping catholofascist crowd, the establishment parties, and also the knuckle-draggers.

He's got my vote.

chughes

Maybe a poll should be set up for this. I'd vote for him.

NSNO

I think Norris and Finlay (if he runs) are the only deserving candidates IMO.

Norris and Finlay, for all their detriments, have the ability to be unifying candidates. The only thing holding Norris back from universal support are questions over his sexuality and religious beliefs. These are things that he can show the Irish people that they have nothing to fear from. Both are tireless campaigners for the abused, neglected and discriminated in Irish society and this is something that should be lauded.


Michael D. was a great politician and a fantastic servant to the Labour Party and the Irish people. However, he is a divisive figure who is firmly party political.


The Presidency should be a unifying force. It is our elected monarchy in a sense. The President is the person who represents the Irish people as a whole, not just the left-wing.

punchdrunk

He'd get my vote anyway

ghostdancer

i like David Norris.

i think he would be an utter embarrassment and a laughing-stock as President.

he should stick to self-promotion in the media.

MysticalRain

He'll have my vote too.

ghostdancer

PeterIanStaker wrote: »

Electing him as president would annoy the mainstream media,

no it wouldn't, i'd say they're praying he gets elected as he'd put his foot in it far more than any of the other candidates, and generate far more column-inches than anyone else.

Wolfe Tone

Denerick wrote: »

He basically reiterated whatever every classicist would have told you if asked such a loaded question. Everything else was exaggerated and became a media circus because of the sexual activities of a certain Gaelic language poet.

"In my opinion, the teacher, or Christian Brother, who puts his hand into a boy's pocket during a history lesson, that is one end of the spectrum. but then there is another: there is the person who attacks children of either sex, rapes them, brutalises them, and then murders them. But the way things are presented here it's almost as if they were all exactly the same and I don't think they are. and I have to tell you this -- I think that the children in some instances are more damaged by the condemnation than by the actual experience."

Most Irish people are now opposed to fascist militarism, thankfully. Norris is very much in the mainstream. People recognise it as a part of our history - but something to admire? I don't think so.

You think people will view pearse and co as terrorists come 2016?

The President is essentially a stuffed bunny who says how great Ireland is and says how terrible some natural disaster is. My dog could be President of Ireland frankly.

Hence why I said Norris would be wasted! Stick some poet in there or something.

wee truck big driver

z0oT wrote: »

I'd love to see Norris elected. I also think that it would mark a great moment of maturity for Ireland, it'd be a great nail in the coffin of discrimination based on sexual orientation.

strangely enough this couldnt be anymore wrong the only reason anybody kknows david norris is that he is an outspoken gay so he would be elected on the basis that he represents 5% of the population. hes also a protestant, which is another small part of the population. so as a representitive of ireland he would be actually as far as could be got from a representitive irish man

wee truck big driver

he would be great he looks like a leprechaun and sounds like one too. he would be in big demand all around the world on paddys day if people want to suffer more embarassment he your man (using the word lightly)

CoalBucket

wee truck big driver wrote: »

strangely enough this couldnt be anymore wrong the only reason anybody kknows david norris is that he is an outspoken gay so he would be elected on the basis that he represents 5% of the population. hes also a protestant, which is another small part of the population. so as a representitive of ireland he would be actually as far as could be got from a representitive irish man

I agree we should elect someone who is good oul working class catholic, gaa supporter who loves a pint down the local. Salt of the earth and all that. Truely representative of the Irish people.

Now where did I put the Bertie for President posters.

Fuhrer

Would be nice to have an African elected to high office

Fuhrer

Dr. Baltar wrote: »

Personally, I think he'd make a great President. Charismatic, opinionated and well spoken.

He can continue his work to denounce the terrorists of 1916 and get us back into the United Kingdom

z0oT

wee truck big driver wrote: »

strangely enough this couldnt be anymore wrong the only reason anybody kknows david norris is that he is an outspoken gay so he would be elected on the basis that he represents 5% of the population. hes also a protestant, which is another small part of the population. so as a representitive of ireland he would be actually as far as could be got from a representitive irish man

I'm curious, if Norris is so objectional, what is your definition of a "Representitive Irish Man"? and who would you propose?

Joey the lips

Call me what ever but I hope this never happens. I think the man is very irrating and tbh although it should not be an issue i think he is more likely to get in because of his sexuality rather than his ability.

He is extremely annoying.

Taceom

Dotsey wrote: »

I have a feeling Mary O'Rourke is going to run and make it a hat trick of Mary's. I dont think Norris or Higgins will connect on a personal level with the majority of the people.

She might run but I don't know how popular she would be with voters. I think Olivia O Leary would be a good choice.

Nhead

What about his views on Finnegans Wake? The posters might say: Norris for Prez or else
Bababadalgharaghtakamminarronnkonnbronntonnerronntuonnthunntrovarrhounawnskawntoohoohoordenenthurnuk

wee truck big driver

z0oT wrote: »

I'm curious, if Norris is so objectional, what is your definition of a "Representitive Irish Man"? and who would you propose?

i just find it a bit strange that while the majority of people in ireland or white catholic hetrosexual males and yet this is somehow seen as something that those of us who fit into this category should be ashamed of. i dont object to somebody who was a good statesman who happened to be gay but all david norris is known for is been gay so that would purely be the basis for electing him.

Chuchoter

I don't know how I feel about the country being mostly heterosexual white males or only 5% of people being gay, but otherwise I can see your point. The only reason Norris will be elected is the 'progressive' under 30 set deciding they want to vote for a gay. I don't want a gay person in a position of power purely because they're gay, I want them in there because they're good.

tommyhaas

CoalBucket wrote: »

Its called homophobia and xenophobia

Ah for fcuk sake, if Bertie was walking around with a young Thai girl with little english, it would look sleazy and it would be reported as such, but because Norris is gay the same criticism cant be leveled at him with out the inevitable accusation of homophobia being made.

Cavehill Red

tommyhaas wrote: »

Ah for fcuk sake, if Bertie was walking around with a young Thai girl with little english, it would look sleazy and it would be reported as such, but because Norris is gay the same criticism cant be leveled at him with out the inevitable accusation of homophobia being made.

Norris has a younger partner. Bertie is up in front of tribunals for allegedly taking bribes and hiding them while Minister of Fcuking Finance (without a bank account).
The fact that anyone in Ireland has a problem with the former or no problem with the latter is why this country has forever been a complete joke of a nation.
This past election showed that we might finally have reached a generation where we'd gone past the gombeen era in Dail Eireann.
If Norris runs, and I believe he'd be an excellent president, we have the chance to prove for good that the days of the cute hoors, the timeserving wasters and the platitudinous past-its as President are over too.

mikemac

There is an attitude on boards from some that if you don't vote Norris you must be backward or a bigot

We've had it on this thread.
And on the thread last year it was the "young urban sophisticates" would vote Norris and everyone else was rural and not progressive.
Very arrogant attitude

I won't be voting for him as I don't rate him as a candidate.

wee truck big driver

Cavehill Red wrote: »

Norris has a younger partner. Bertie is up in front of tribunals for allegedly taking bribes and hiding them while Minister of Fcuking Finance (without a bank account).
The fact that anyone in Ireland has a problem with the former or no problem with the latter is why this country has forever been a complete joke of a nation.
This past election showed that we might finally have reached a generation where we'd gone past the gombeen era in Dail Eireann.
If Norris runs, and I believe he'd be an excellent president, we have the chance to prove for good that the days of the cute hoors, the timeserving wasters and the platitudinous past-its as President are over too.

i dont know whichis harder to believe, that you think the shower of halfwits we have in the dail now are any better than what we had before or that you believe that an embarassment like norris who looks and sounds like a leprechaun would make a good president

Rabble Rabble

tommyhaas wrote: »

Ah for fcuk sake, if Bertie was walking around with a young Thai girl with little english, it would look sleazy and it would be reported as such, but because Norris is gay the same criticism cant be leveled at him with out the inevitable accusation of homophobia being made.

FFS how young isthis guy - I believe he is 40+. That is so not an issue.

Rabble Rabble

wee truck big driver wrote: »

i dont know whichis harder to believe, that you think the shower of halfwits we have in the dail now are any better than what we had before or that you believe that an embarassment like norris who looks and sounds like a leprechaun would make a good president

the dail is younger and less gombeenish. For sure.

Cavehill Red

wee truck big driver wrote: »

i dont know whichis harder to believe, that you think the shower of halfwits we have in the dail now are any better than what we had before or that you believe that an embarassment like norris who looks and sounds like a leprechaun would make a good president

Well, the proof is in the pudding, isn't it? So let's see if the current Dail manages to turn a record booming economy into a national bankrupcy in five years flat or not. If they can, then I'll agree they're no better than the last shower.

Equally, I don't see what entitles you to describe David Norris as an embarrassment. Your ad-hominem attack is both inaccurate:

LEPRECHAUN:


SENATOR DAVID NORRIS:


and a poor argument against electing a brave, principled and honest politician, given the general lack of pulchritude in Dail Eireann past and present, not to mention the queue of munters that have inhabited the Aras.

Rabble Rabble

Cavehill Red wrote: »

and a poor argument against electing a brave, principled and honest politician, given the general lack of pulchritude in Dail Eireann past and present, not to mention the queue of munters that have inhabited the Aras.

well, robinson turned a few heads in her day.