Senator David Norris
When I was growing up my parents told us fairytales. One of the tales was about Rumpelstiltskin. The moral of the fairytale is not important, only the fact that Rumpelstiltskin could spin straw into gold. A very valuable skill.
On Thursday evening 20th January, we were in the company of a man who seemed to have the same ability. Words like ‘amazing’, ‘marvellous’ and ‘wonderful’ still ring in my ears and I still feel a warm sense of enthusiasm. Senator David Norris was visiting Kilkenny to kick of his campaign to become Ireland’s new president in November 2011.
There was a full house in Café Sol Bistro in Kilkenny for the event entitled “Food for Thought” with Senator David Norris. A very appreciative audience was regaled and enthralled by the Senator who set out his stall on why he is putting himself forward for the Presidential election in November this year.
Opening with a flowing introduction “as gaelige”, Senator Norris began by outlining his appreciation and admiration for the two most recent presidents who broke the mould and have made their own mark on the presidency. If elected he will make his own mark on the presidency in his own imitable way and if he does win the presidency it will be for his strengths and not through other candidates’ weaknesses.
I cannot remember every detail of his speech, but what I do remember is an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm. Everything he talked about seemed to acquire a golden hue no matter how mundane. Everyone he spoke to was made to feel special and no question was left unanswered.
Senator Norris outlined the nomination process by which he must be put forward for election in order to be able to run for the presidency;
a) a sitting president can nominate themselves
b) nomination by 20 members of the Oireachtas
c) nomination by 4 city or county councils
He is exploring all avenues to secure a nomination including political parties, local authorities and independent members of the Oireachtas. He has the support of over 30,000 people across the various online and social media sites, all of whom want him to be able to contest the Presidency. He is passionate about democracy and has faith that his fellow elected representatives will afford him the opportunity to run for election when so many people wish him to do so.
Senator Norris spoke about the talent, creativity and innovation of Irish people, and recalled his visit to the RDS Young Scientist Exhibition which he attended at the end of 2010.
He spoke of his friends across all political parties and reminded us that there are good politicians, although he is aware that some politicians do give the profession a bad name.
Senator Norris recounted his experiences on Operation Transformation where he lost 2½ stone. He later admitted that some of it was put back on. I would fear the worst for David Norris’s weight if he has to eat his way around Ireland to fundraise for his ‘Obama style’ campaign.
Dinner in Café Sol was a delicious choice of two dishes for each of the three courses, all typical good Cafe Sol quality fare. Wine and coffee/tea were included so even without the special guest it would have been a great night out. People were seated at communal tables and good food and wine made the chat flow.
Senator Norris sat down for dinner with those present, moving from table to table through the evening, enjoying a delicious 3 course menu devised by Café Sol Head Chef Liam O’Hanlon. The good Senator enjoyed a traditional prawn cocktail starter followed by a tartlet of roasted vegetables and Kockdrinna cows feta cheese, with a smoked paprika, coriander seed and dill sauce. It is not known if he managed to fit in a dessert.
After dinner, Senator Norris fielded questions from those present.
He was asked for his opinion on recent political developments. Given the role that he aspires to he said that it was not appropriate for him to comment on political matters.
Should the President have additional powers? Senator Norris pointed out that the primary role of the President is to uphold the constitution. He feels that there are existing powers of the President under the constitution which can be exercised on behalf of the people.
On the potential abolition of the Seanad, Senator Norris said that in is view the Seanad operates at only 10% of its potential effectiveness. He has stated for years that the Seanad needs to be seriously reformed or else it should be scrapped.
As an independent candidate, Senator Norris feels that he would be able to fulfil the role of President without any real or perceived undue influence from a major political party.
This was a delightful evening in Café Sol, thoroughly enjoyed by all those present, many with diverse political views but drawn together to listen to one of the most plain speaking members of the Oireachtas who seeks to be the next President of Ireland. With the will of the Irish people, Senator David Norris will be a President of the people for the people.
Although he does not yet have a nomination Senator Norris feels he has the moral authority to stand for election as the major political parties all agreed in 1992 that anybody who has the support of 10,000 people should be able to run for president. Senator David Norris will have his work cut out for him, but no doubt with his positive approach he will turn it into something marvellous!
You can find out more on Senator Norris’ candidacy on his website www.norrisforpresident.ie.
