Appalling attack on Norris reflects badly on us

IT’S bad enough to belong to a nation that is engulfed by economic disaster; a nation that has mostly passively accepted what has befallen it; a nation that does not seem to expect or demand retribution from those who orchestrated its downfall; a nation that is self congratulatory without reason, but now to know that it is also a nation prepared to allow bigotry to come before innate ability, is unconscionable.

In the midst of ignorance, nepotism and opportunism, David Norris has stood out as the last of a dying breed of gentlemen, renowned for his erudition, academic excellence, courtesy and common decency. He has offered to give us, as a nation, the benefit of his vast store of ability, by running for president. To see him now brought down by remarks made 10 years ago borne out of his knowledge of classical Greece, which not many in this country could match, is obscene.

It reflects badly, not on Norris, but on us, if we choose to let this scandal mongering influence us.

If we are half the people we claim to be, even half as educated as we congratulate ourselves on being, this appalling attempt at scuppering the campaign of David Norris for the presidency, will be ignored and treated with the contempt it deserves.

JL O’Reilly

Ranelagh

Dublin 6