Backers withdraw support for Norris

Three independent TDs have withdrawn their support for presidential hopeful David Norris.

Deputy Finian McGrath announced yesterday evening that he was bowing out of Senator Norris' campaign but said he deeply regretted the decision.

It follows reports revealing the Senator wrote to Israeli authorities in 1997 appealing for clemency for his former partner who'd been convicted of statutory rape.

Independent TDs John Halligan and Thomas Pringle followed suit in withdrawing their support late last night.

Deputy McGrath called on Senator Norris to bow out of the presidential race altogether.

"At this stage I think the wise thing to do for David would be to withdraw from the campaign and reflect on the whole situation," he said.

"We cannot have a situation where any tolerance of abuse of children is (in) any way overlooked."