The effervescent David Norris has today resigned as a Senator, having served in the upper house of the Oireachtas for almost 37 years.
The 79-year-old is best known as an advocate for civil rights in Ireland. The campaigner for gay rights signed off in the Seanad with an impassioned plea for peace in Palestine.
He told those gathered: “What is happening to the inhabitants of Gaza is appalling and cannot be allowed to continue.
“Man’s inhumanity to man is our greatest shame and I have to say also that it goes completely against the Jewish ethic which is L’Chaim – to life.”
He criticised the Israeli Government saying it has committed “to death in overwhelming numbers for the unfortunate, trapped citizens of Gaza.
“I deplore it completely,” the 79-year-old added. He urged Seanad colleagues to “to continue to continue to push for peace in our times.”
He also voiced his support for ‘Yes’ votes in the upcoming referendums on the family and care which includes a proposal to delete the controversial “women in the home” expression used in the constitution.
Mr Norris said: “It is important that [the referendums] succeed.
“Even though I will be retired, I will be to the best of my ability, campaigning for their success.”
There was a standing ovation from his fellow Senators who paid tribute to their departing colleague.
He thanked Senators past and present saying it has been a pleasure to collaborate with them. He concluded his brief speech saying: “Thank you very much”.
One-time presidential candidate Mr Norris is the current longest serving senator, a position known as Father of the House.
He was the first openly gay person elected to public office in Ireland.
He is credited as being instrumental in the abolition of Ireland’s anti-homosexuality law following a campaign involving court cases that lasted for more than 14 years.
The law was finally overturned in 1993.
