David Norris for President....would you vote for him?

RachaelVO · 03-06-2011 02:04PM

yupyup7up wrote: »

I know now that the site wasn't his. I was also going by the media view. I'm completely ignoring the site now, but the media coverage of him isn't inspiring either.

The mental health and enterprise issues are both very good points but I don't think he would reflect the country as whole in terms of culture

Part of the problem is, is that you will be reading editorials. The best one I read so far, was from Ian O 'Doherty,
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/ian-odoherty/ian-odoherty-weve-nothing-in-common-but-that-doesnt-mean-i-cant-like-norris-2665066.html

It's pretty even handed, and even though they agree on very little, he has at least given him the respect he deserves.

I can understand that people don't want to vote for him, but look up his record and make your opinion from that. Current media is all bluster and sh1te about him and HLB! He has faught for equality, disability rights, he has been involved in north south peace projects... That's what we should be judging him on.

sensibleken · 03-06-2011 02:05PM

zuroph wrote: »

point out where I was a dick please. we're having a discussion about the presidency, and some people are descending into secondary school levels of slagging "you're gay" "no u r" :rolleyes:

calling me one. but how about we leave it there shall we?

zuroph · 03-06-2011 02:07PM

sensibleken wrote: »

calling me one. but how about we leave it there shall we?

thats all i asked. i dont want the thread getting locked up for childish slagging, its seving an interesting purpose here, for example, without it, yupyup would still be under the impression that enochs hatesite was actually Norris's opinions.

thebigbiffo · 03-06-2011 02:16PM

sensibleken wrote: »

you could have said the same for a woman making a good impression on king abdullah. the ignorance of another head of state is not something we can help. they could also be offended that hes a christian.

what is very camp about him and why is being camp offensive?

point taken - i know you got my drift though.

why is camp offensive? it's not - it's just ridiculous. and i dont want our head of state to be 'ridiculous'.

old hippy wrote: »

You think he's going to mince about when he meets foreign dignitaries? :rolleyes:

well he minces about normally.

AudreyHepburn wrote: »

Another country's homophobia is not our problem tbh.

What exactly about David Norris is offensive? Why wouldn't he appeal across the board?

he wont appeal across the board because he's not 'across the board' himself is he? he's very much in a minority with a lifestyle that many people and cultures, even 'these days', find strange (to put it lightly). i just dont think Ireland needs to be the first country to elect an openly gay head of state - especially one who openly said he wished an auld lad had shown him the ways of the world when he was a young-un.

i've nothing against Norris - i just don't think Ireland's ready for an openly gay, and quite...fragrant...president.

sensibleken · 03-06-2011 02:27PM

thebigbiffo wrote: »

point taken - i know you got my drift though.

why is camp offensive? it's not - it's just ridiculous. and i dont want our head of state to be 'ridiculous'.

well he minces about normally.

he wont appeal across the board because he's not 'across the board' himself is he? he's very much in a minority with a lifestyle that many people and cultures, even 'these days', find strange (to put it lightly). i just dont think Ireland needs to be the first country to elect an openly gay head of state - especially one who openly said he wished an auld lad had shown him the ways of the world when he was a young-un.

i've nothing against Norris - i just don't think Ireland's ready for an openly gay, and quite...fragrant...president.

so your saying that he shouldnt be president just because he's gay? At least in this post thats the only reason you give.

AudreyHepburn · 03-06-2011 02:32PM

thebigbiffo wrote: »

point taken - i know you got my drift though.

why is camp offensive? it's not - it's just ridiculous. and i dont want our head of state to be 'ridiculous'.

well he minces about normally.

he wont appeal across the board because he's not 'across the board' himself is he? he's very much in a minority with a lifestyle that many people and cultures, even 'these days', find strange (to put it lightly). i just dont think Ireland needs to be the first country to elect an openly gay head of state - especially one who openly said he wished an auld lad had shown him the ways of the world when he was a young-un.

i've nothing against Norris - i just don't think Ireland's ready for an openly gay, and quite...fragrant...president.

No he doesn't mince and you know it. He doesn't hide that he's gay nor does he flaunt it.

Why shouldn't we be the first to elect such a president?

Why is being camp/gay ridiculous?

Why should we allow other country's homophobia to dictate who we elect?

Is his sexuality really that much of an issue for you?

Paparazzo · 03-06-2011 02:32PM

thebigbiffo wrote: »

i just dont think Ireland needs to be the first country to elect an openly gay head of state...

i've nothing against Norris - i just don't think Ireland's ready for an openly gay, and quite...fragrant...president.

You think someone being openly gay is reason enough for them not to do a job?

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/equality_in_work/equality_in_the_workplace.html

Spread · 03-06-2011 02:51PM

RachaelVO wrote: »

Part of the problem is, is that you will be reading editorials. The best one I read so far, was from Ian O 'Doherty,
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/ian-odoherty/ian-odoherty-weve-nothing-in-common-but-that-doesnt-mean-i-cant-like-norris-2665066.html

It's pretty even handed, and even though they agree on very little, he has at least given him the respect he deserves.

I can understand that people don't want to vote for him, but look up his record and make your opinion from that. Current media is all bluster and sh1te about him and HLB! He has faught for equality, disability rights, he has been involved in north south peace projects... That's what we should be judging him on.

Hey there! Ian O' Doherty is a columnist. AFAIK he doesn't do Editorials. You obviously don't read a lot of his work. He is not always as PC or gay-friendly in his pieces. He generally doesn't mince his words when talking about mincing!

thebigbiffo · 03-06-2011 02:52PM

ok everyone, you got me. i'm a rampant homophobe.

I also dont believe anyone with a thick as pigs'hite accent should be made president, or a person who dresses badly, or a transexual, or a cross dresser, or a person with a speach impediment, or someone who's god awful ugly - so in general i'm just an all round dickhead and my vote should be taken from me.

again - i've got nothing against Norris as a person but as el presidente? no thanks - someone more represtantive of the majority of citizens will do me fine.

Paparazzo · 03-06-2011 02:53PM

Spread wrote: »

Hey there! Ian O' Doherty is a columnist. AFAIK he doesn't do Editorials. You obviously don't read a lot of his work. He is not always as PC or gay-friendly in his pieces. He generally doesn't mince his words when talking about mincing!

Ian O'Doherty is a legend!

sensibleken · 03-06-2011 02:57PM

Paparazzo wrote: »

Ian O'Doherty is a legend!

he's an idiot. but typical of the type of gutter "journalism" that the independant offers

yupyup7up · 03-06-2011 02:58PM

RachaelVO wrote: »

Part of the problem is, is that you will be reading editorials. The best one I read so far, was from Ian O 'Doherty,
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/ian-odoherty/ian-odoherty-weve-nothing-in-common-but-that-doesnt-mean-i-cant-like-norris-2665066.html

It's pretty even handed, and even though they agree on very little, he has at least given him the respect he deserves.

I can understand that people don't want to vote for him, but look up his record and make your opinion from that. Current media is all bluster and sh1te about him and HLB! He has faught for equality, disability rights, he has been involved in north south peace projects... That's what we should be judging him on.

TBH I think that we need a president who will dig the country out of the whole it's in. I don't think that he's the person for the job. He appears to have a very clouded view of what he wants to achieve.

We don't want to hear about his sexual orientation or any controversial remarks, they are non-issues. The job is to be a head of state, to represent a country, and quite frankly I don't think he'll do a good job of it. He is completely non-reflective of the people of Ireland.

RachaelVO · 03-06-2011 03:09PM

Spread wrote: »

Hey there! Ian O' Doherty is a columnist. AFAIK he doesn't do Editorials. You obviously don't read a lot of his work. He is not always as PC or gay-friendly in his pieces. He generally doesn't mince his words when talking about mincing!

I don't remember saying I liked him or what he writes, in fact I posted a link to one article, pointing out that not all current media is negative towards David Norris.

Do try and keep up!

prinz · 03-06-2011 03:11PM

That piece from Ian O'Doherty sums up a lot of where the support of Norris is coming from IMO, and that is where I object..

Well, the grown-up thing to do would be to vote for Fergus Finlay, a fine and honourable man who has been doing sterling work for this country and for Irish children for years. On the other hand, just think how pissed off so many people will be at the thought of Norris representing this country.

It doesn't matter who, or how many it pisses off. That's not the basis to vote for someone ffs. Exchange Enoch Burke with Norris in the above section..

RachaelVO · 03-06-2011 03:15PM

yupyup7up wrote: »

TBH I think that we need a president who will dig the country out of the whole it's in. I don't think that he's the person for the job. He appears to have a very clouded view of what he wants to achieve.

We don't want to hear about his sexual orientation or any controversial remarks, they are non-issues. The job is to be a head of state, to represent a country, and quite frankly I don't think he'll do a good job of it. He is completely non-reflective of the people of Ireland.

No president will dig Ireland out of the hole! They have no powers to do so. The can however represent the country on an international stage and do us justice. He is well respected all over europe, as a statesman, a scholar and a human rights activist. I think that David Norris will make a great president, and I do think he's representative of the country. So thats where we will have to agree to disagree. However at least you have a solid reason for where you want your vote to go, and even though I totally disagree, I have to respect your opinion. At least you're not spouting all the usual "he's a fag" "is he going to take it up the Aras" crap that has polluted this thread so far!

Spread · 03-06-2011 03:19PM

In today's Herald, Fergus Finlay (who is a Norris admirer) says he believes what HLB has said. He also, in a nice way, talks about one of DN's little peccadillos .......... liking the sound of his own obnoxious voice (Italics are mine). He also says that an interview of almost a decade ago should not be brought up. Wrong Fergus! If I had stated in an article about the same time that "wives should get a smack now and then - just to put them in their place", I'd like to see the reaction to that if it was rereleased today.

zuroph · 03-06-2011 03:26PM

believing what HLB says is one thing, But believing the context is another. Norris said the stuff quoted to him, but as part of a long conversation, not a few sound snippets of "evil sinful" thinking.

Spread · 03-06-2011 03:28PM

RachaelVO wrote: »

Part of the problem is, is that you will be reading editorials. The best one I read so far, was from Ian O 'Doherty,
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/ian-odoherty/ian-odoherty-weve-nothing-in-common-but-that-doesnt-mean-i-cant-like-norris-2665066.html
.......................

Hmmmmmm!

yupyup7up · 03-06-2011 03:32PM

RachaelVO wrote: »

No president will dig Ireland out of the hole! They have no powers to do so. The can however represent the country on an international stage and do us justice. He is well respected all over europe, as a statesman, a scholar and a human rights activist. I think that David Norris will make a great president, and I do think he's representative of the country. So thats where we will have to agree to disagree. However at least you have a solid reason for where you want your vote to go, and even though I totally disagree, I have to respect your opinion. At least you're not spouting all the usual "he's a fag" "is he going to take it up the Aras" crap that has polluted this thread so far!

Im actually delighted! I've had a proper discussion with someone on boards for the first time in 3 years of being on it!

you are cool.

RachaelVO · 03-06-2011 04:13PM

yupyup7up wrote: »

Im actually delighted! I've had a proper discussion with someone on boards for the first time in 3 years of being on it!

you are cool.

Awww shucks, thank you

You're pretty cool yourself.

sesna · 03-06-2011 04:15PM

According to a separate source today, for a full week Norris made absolutely no contact with Magill magazine to complain about misrepresentation. It was only when it was picked up on by Ireland on Sunday that Norris subsequently gave a clarification interview to a Sindo journalist.

It's interesting that he took no legal action at the time, and even more so that he made no contact with Magill magazine following publication of the article. Norris has never denied that what was quoted in the article was incorrect, only that he was "misrepresented".

Far from setting Norris up, Waters was intent on protecting Norris and extremely concerned by what he had said. Magill magazine went to great lengths to give Norris an opportunity to clarify what was said, yet he was happy with the version given. It seems Norris' strange views on Ancient Greece and musings on child abuse created this mess.

I find his reaction to the OSearcaigh documentary strange too where he seemed intent on shooting the messenger calling for an Oireachtas enquiry into the makers of the documentary and RTE.

zuroph · 03-06-2011 04:40PM

sesna wrote: »

According to a separate source today, for a full week Norris made absolutely no contact with Magill magazine to complain about misrepresentation. It was only when it was picked up on by Ireland on Sunday that Norris subsequently gave a clarification interview to a Sindo journalist.

It's interesting that he took no legal action at the time, and even more so that he made no contact with Magill magazine following publication of the article. Norris has never denied that what was quoted in the article was incorrect, only that he was "misrepresented".

Far from setting Norris up, Waters was intent on protecting Norris and extremely concerned by what he had said. Magill magazine went to great lengths to give Norris an opportunity to clarify what was said, yet he was happy with the version given. It seems Norris' strange views on Ancient Greece and musings on child abuse created this mess.

I find his reaction to the OSearcaigh documentary strange too where he seemed intent on shooting the messenger calling for an Oireachtas enquiry into the makers of the documentary and RTE.

Yes Sesna, we get it, you feel he should have taken legal action. For what, I dont know, he said what he said, but i see nothing wrong with anything he said. whats happened after is its been cut into short phrases and soundbites to make it sound worse than it actually was.

Quo Vadis · 03-06-2011 04:42PM

Nodin wrote: »

I see the threads degenerated into a vehicle for homophobes, weirdos and low level trolling. Quelle Suprise.

Which one are you ?

sesna · 03-06-2011 04:43PM

zuroph wrote: »

Yes Sesna, we get it, you feel he should have taken legal action. For what, I dont know, he said what he said, but i see nothing wrong with anything he said. whats happened after is its been cut into short phrases and soundbites to make it sound worse than it actually was.

Im talking about composite factors, not the legal action alone.

Quo Vadis · 03-06-2011 04:44PM

Paparazzo wrote: »

Considering you post on the Christianity forum mostly, its no surprise you're so interested in underage gay sex.

Ah yes, if all else fails take off the mask . . .

Nodin · 03-06-2011 04:51PM

Quo Vadis wrote: »

A Gay Irish West Brit President born in the Belgian Congo, who is sexually attracted to underage boys ? Sounds perfect for the new Ireland all right.

Imagining for the sake of argument that that was true, and given the revelations of the Ferns and Murphy report, Ryan comission, would it not be safer to say that was far more symbolic of the 'Old Ireland' than anything else?

zuroph · 03-06-2011 04:55PM

Norris approved the article based on quotes read to him over the phone by HLB. now I sincerely doubt theres a tape of that conversation, or what exactly she read to him, or how she put it.
as for not replying for a week after the publication, perhaps he was busy, or didnt want to draw further attention to the woman who found him "sinful".

Quo Vadis · 03-06-2011 04:55PM

Nodin wrote: »

Imagining for the sake of argument that that was true, and given the revelations of the Ferns and Murphy report, Ryan comission, would it not be safer to say that was far more symbolic of the 'Old Ireland' than anything else?

So you think all that is ok then, just as long as they're not of certain religions ?

Nodin · 03-06-2011 05:04PM

Quo Vadis wrote: »

So you think all that is ok then, just as long as they're not of certain religions ?

I never mentioned any religion. Try again.

As I stated - Imagining for the sake of argument that that was true, and given the revelations of the Ferns and Murphy report, Ryan commission, would it not be safer to say that was far more symbolic of the 'Old Ireland' than anything else?

sesna · 03-06-2011 05:12PM

zuroph wrote: »

Norris approved the article based on quotes read to him over the phone by HLB. now I sincerely doubt theres a tape of that conversation, or what exactly she read to him, or how she put it.
as for not replying for a week after the publication, perhaps he was busy, or didnt want to draw further attention to the woman who found him "sinful".

It's not the article which is controversial. It's the quotes within the article which Norris gave. And they are not snippets of words, but rather long paragraphs which he verified days after the original interview when the journalist read them to him over the phone.

I believe Norris did not take legal action, or ask for a correction because he firmly stood by these quotes and they reflected his beliefs.

David Norris for President....would you vote for him?

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