David Norris, the longest-serving senator in Irish history, to retire from politics in January

David Norris is to move to Cyprus after his retirement from the upper house and "pass the baton" on to younger generations

David Norris has announced he will retire from politics in January of 2024. Picture: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

David Norris, the longest-serving senator in Irish history, will retire from politics in January.

Mr Norris told Trinity News that he would move to Cyprus after his retirement from the upper house and "pass the baton" on to younger generations.

Mr Norris is the Seanad’s longest-serving Senator and also holds the record for the longest continuous period of service in the Seanad. 

He first started campaigning for equality in the 1970s and played an enormous role in the betterment of gay lives in Ireland since then.

He had changed the law when he challenged the ban on homosexuality in Irish courts and then in Europe, where the European Court of Human Rights found it violated the European Convention on Human Rights.

He was first elected to Seanad in 1987 and ran for President in 2011, where he finished fifth.

Fianna Fáil senator and spokesperson on higher education Malcolm Byrne, paid tribute to Mr Norris.

Mr Byrne said: “David Norris has made an outstanding contribution to Irish public life in so many ways. We must acknowledge his work as a Senator in his contribution to legislation and debates, in his tireless campaigning for East Timor and his wonderful advocacy for the works of James Joyce.

"He will be most associated, however, with the campaign for LGBT rights. In a way that personally benefitted me, David’s campaigning for the decriminalisation of homosexuality and for the greater participation of LGBT persons in Irish society, including through marriage equality, truly made a difference in the lives of so many.

“I wish him well on his next Chapter in life and we are all grateful for his service.”