Norris tries to rebuild presidential bid

DAVID NORRIS scrambled to rebuild the wreckage of his presidential bid last night.

After crashing out of the race for the Áras in spectacular fashion six weeks ago, the senator lobbied Oireachtas members to let him get on the ballot paper for the October 27 showdown.

Mr Norris refused to discuss the matter with journalists after only eight of the 29 independent TDs and senators turned up to hear him pitch for their nominations.

The senator needs to secure backing from 20 Oireachtas members before the end of next week if his name is to go forward as an official candidate for the presidency.

Mr Norris had the support of 15 TDs and senators before his dramatic exit from the race in August after it was revealed he had written on headed Oireachtas notepaper to Israeli judges pleading for clemency on behalf of his former partner who had been convicted of the statutory rape of a 15-year-old.

A number of those who previously pledged support, including Independent TD Finian McGrath, have said they would not be prepared to back his bid again.

Mr Norris, who still commands strong support in opinion polls, is believed to be planning to formally announce he would like to stand for the presidency again on RTÉ’s The Late Late Show this evening.

Mr McGrath, who facilitated the meeting, said the senator had gone down well.

“David was very gracious and very magnanimous, even with people like myself that he disagreed with. But he asked people for their support because he is considering entering the race again,” he said.

The re-emergence of Senator Norris came as Fianna Fáil Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú was said to be discussing whether to seek a nomination or not after being approached to stand as an independent candidate after Micheál Martin ruled out anyone contesting the election under the party’s banner.

Sinn Féin is to announce its candidate this Sunday with ex-Northern agriculture minister Michelle Gildernew and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness being mentioned as possible contenders.

However, speculation that Tyrone GAA chief Mickey Harte would be the SF candidate has been dismissed.

Former MEP and Eurovision winner Dana is also thought likely to assess what support a presidential bid by her would garner.

Mary Davis, who already has the required nominations of four councils, also appealed to Independent Oireachtas members to back her at yesterday’s meeting.

Nominations for the presidential race close on September 27.