Norris nominators consider withdrawing support

Support for Senator David Norris' presidential campaign appears to be wavering after the latest controversy to hit his campaign.

Concerns have been raised regarding the 1992 conviction of Mr Norris's former partner, Ezra Yizhak Nawi, for having sex with an underage Palestinian youth.

Independent TD Thomas Pringle, one of 15 Oireachtas members to pledge their support for Mr Norris, said that he needs more information on the subject before making a decision.

Senators Marie-Louise O'Donnell and John Crown also reportedly considering their position on Senator Norris' nomination.

It has also been reported that two key figures in the campaign have stepped down - director of communications Jane Cregan and director of elections Derek Murphy.

Senator Norris has previously defended controversial remarks on sexuality that he made in an interview with Magill Magazine in 2002, stating: "During the course of a comprehensive conversation, Miss Burke and I engaged an academic discussion about classical Greece and sexual activity in a historical context; it was a hypothetical, intellectual conversation which should not have been seen as a considered representation of my views on some of the issues discussed over dinner."

"The references to sexual activity were what were emphasised and subsequently picked up and taken out of context in other media."