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Sorry, didn't know she found the tape, i'd say Michael D Higgins will be rubbing his hands with delight.
Again it would have to be wondered why he didn't begin, or even threaten, legal action against the Burkes last October?
If you think the Pope is an instrument of evil, thats your choice. I don't.
Mr Norris also says "Ratzinger, who is, in his mindset, a Nazi".
So what?Quote:
Originally Posted by Hurt Locker
All this post is just a rehash of what was in todays Indo
I like to keep up to date by reading the sindo as well other papers. I think its better than just waffling. I'll make sure to read up on all candidates before I vote.
Religion is an issue here if you can't see it fair enough.
In all fairness people in the Republic of Ireland have voted in a fair amount of shady geezers over the years, why not Mr. Norris.
To be honest he never was going to get my vote, due to the fact he wants Ireland to join the British Commonwealth.
I no issue whats so ever of Mr. Norris been a homosexaul (my best friends father is a homosexual) or the fact he is a member of the Church of Ireland.
I think its not got to do with religion at all but the fact that a lot of people in Ireland cant get round the fact that we might have a gay prezQuote:
Originally Posted by Hurt Locker
I don't think any major religion accepts homosexuality, Mr.Norris should accept this will never happen in the Catholic church and by insulting the Pope is not going to help him get elected. I don't think any country ever had a gay president. Irish people got around the fact we have a gay senator quickly!
So now he's a "shady geezer"? You do realise your posts read like copy from the Star, right?
On the bit in bold, Iceland's current president is gay. There's also a theory that James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States, was gay.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hurt Locker
However, on the post as a whole - including the bit in bold - what's your point? I don't think any of what you posted is actually relevant to the discussion or the presidency.
I'm only posting what I read in the papers. Do a bit of lateral thinking, you might see the trees from the wood.Quote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
lol, I could have called him something else but I don't want another warning!Quote:
Originally Posted by dahamsta
You're only posting what you readin the papers, and you suggest I try some lateral thinking?!Quote:
Originally Posted by Hurt Locker
I don't think your post is actually relevant to the discussion or the presidency:rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by pineapple stu
Rubbish bin I suggest!
Have an nice day.
Bennocelt, I don't think the majority are too bothered with his lifestyle choice, if he wants to be gay, so be it, but people can and have looked past it, in fact I'd say there is a good lump of the population who'd vote for him only because he's gay - simply to thumb their noses at the establishment and churches. I can see the benefit in having a relatively erudite and decent person like Norris as President, the pink economy would bloom and there would be a different slant given to the Irish situation. However there has to be a realisation that his private/academic thoughts have no impact on legislation - he cannot force a new law to drop the age of consent (which I heard on Radio 1 being used to slap him with), he cannot force young boys under the wings of older men, this is all nonsense. He does need to stop the populist (now) rants against the Catholic church as this will cost him long term. If he wants to represent the entire country, then he has to understand that despite what the meeja tell us, the population is yet to shake off the centuries of Catholic dogma and it's all about balance.
I don't see why restating what has been in the media (Sindo or otherwise) is such a crime, I didn't read any papers over the weekend having switched off my brain from the sensationalising aspect of this case. Plus there was a big match on, so that took precedence.
Too right - the amount of fundamentalist catholics reacting to this is nearly enough for him to get my vote! I really can't beleive that someone would link to that Norris site - imo that crap doesn't even deserve it's link to remain on foot.ie.Quote:
Originally Posted by Spudulika
I still don't agree with the whole "is ireland ready for a Gay president" stuff if though that's the only reason you'd be against Norris, but the nature of the campaign against him is beginning to back fire into us (progressive non homophobes) v them (religious fundamentalist nutjobs). Which is a pretty bad state of affairs for demoracy.
You've hit the nail on the head Macy, what is the point about "is Ireland ready for a gay President", that's not even an issue and I believe that it's a purely meeja creation, the same as "is Ireland mature enough for the Queen to visit", it's not the point. The point is that we've go to move on with getting the country working and prospering, not about what our leaders choose for their lifestyle.
I know from my own family that my Mam (who is very liberal and always thinks for herself) won't vote for Norris because she doesn't believe he would be the best Ambassador for Ireland. My Dad (who is liberal but a strong Catholic) will vote for him because he knows the man and says that this would be the ultimate reward for his work and also be a great person to represent Ireland. Anybody with a brain will make their own decision, the meeja will do their best to push more sales and get more advertising, though he needs to be a lot more intelligent in how he handles his campaign.
It's hardly the biggest smear campaign ever. Mr Norris did say what it's reported he said. But he's running for president, if he said Bohs were a crap football team it would be brought up and discussed. Best option at this stage might be to convince people that his views have changed in the 7 to 10 years, but Mr Norris has never apologised for anything he's said, very arrogent and non diplomatic.
Pat Cox is now now the bookies favorite massive change in just a week. Liberal elites v Religious conservatism is just too simplistic a view in modern day Ireland. Neither would have enough votes on their own to elect a president. From the people I have been talking with, single people seem to show some empity towards the Mr. Norris situation, people with a family seem to be showing serious caution with his statements, they seem creeped-out, will cost him votes and transfers (I'm talking in general here).
Can't wait to hear the tape it will show who's telling the truth.
The story has been doing the Internet rounds for months, so there's no doubt that the essentials are true, very suspicious though that the tape hasn't been handed over, after all the country hardly lacks cassette players. Doesn't seem to have affected his ratings - a poll yesterday had him on 39%, double Cox's numbers, he'll need to be more circumspect in his dealings. McGuinness is probably the best placed FG candidate in that she'll pick up rural and urban votes, so could sneak a win on transfers, just think Cox has too much PD and European baggage to win the nomination. The latest name mentioned is Niall O'Dowd, the Irish-American newspaper editor, but would have thought he's wasting his time.
Not sure polls are that valid at this stage - for example I'd take it had Cox and McGuinness on it, when they both won't be running.Quote:
Originally Posted by culloty82
Question - leaving side David Norris private life and his general enjoyment and articulate banter he gives on tv and radio etc, what qualifies him for this role ? This is not a rhetorical question - I genuinely don't know what his qualifications or credentials for this role are ?
I love listening to him - and he adds to the general gaiety (sic) of the nation and is articulate and intelligent. But by that rationale, half of the posters on this forum should be candidates......so if anybody knows him, please outline his credentials
Having said that, McAleese had no stand out credentials and has been superb in the role
I'd say the people who voted for her would not agree, or am I taking you out of context?:rofl:Quote:
Originally Posted by Angus
TBH Roy Keane or Shane Mc Gowan have better credentials than Mr. Norris.
wow:oQuote:
Originally Posted by Angus
Angus, you've asked the questions that the meeja should be asking, but won't as they won't sell adverts!Quote:
Originally Posted by Angus
Why would I vote for DN, what has he done?
1. He was a leader in the fight to save Wood Quay. He, along with Mary Robinson and John Bradley, and FX Martin, lay down in front of bulldozers and were kicked senseless in the bid to get them out of the way. He spoke massive amounts of sense about how we were destroying the past for future generations and how short term gain was killing long term profit. Also he was one of those who pointed out that the destruction of the most significant Viking settlement in the World did not have to be destroyed so completely.
2. He asked questions in the Seanaid in 1989-90 formally complaining about the shenanigans (his words) of the then DPP in relation to sex abuse cases in a major North Dublin Primary and Secondary School. He challenged the CB's to come forward with explanations and went so far as to go to the Gardai in the area to register a complaint.
3. He has been involved in a number of very charitable causes and not been seen to do so. I can name 2 that can be followed up on including the right for women to be allowed box (anyone who went to NUI Maynooth between 1997-99 can verify this). The second was in raising funds for an animal shelter in Ashtown.
4. Academically, while narrowly published, he is very respected abroad, in the Centre of Irish Studies in Voronezh a number of his papers are used for end of year tests - I always said that if you can understand what the heck he's on about then you get a 1st class honour!
I believe he is a decent person, who needs to calm himself down, who can be a great ambassador for Ireland and who can really help our economy. However I do fear that his chance has gone and we'll be stuck with a party animal, but not the good Road Trip kind.