Fanning the flames of homophobia

THERE appears to be a distinct if not pungent smell of homophobia coming from the anti-Norris camp complete with smearing articles and as yet non-existent tape or tapes that are alleged to discredit the presidential candidate and damage him personally.

One has to seriously question the timing of such tactics that are in very bad taste and vindictive in the extreme.

There is no doubt that Senator David Norris has challenged the orthodoxy from time to time, however many see it as healthy in a corrupt and decadence system.

He has campaigned for the rights of minorities which include children and is active in most areas of political life.

There is no reason whatsoever for a smear campaign against Norris other than one based on prejudice and a good old fashioned touch of ultra-conservatism directed at the presidential hopeful personally.

It is hard not to overlook the homophobic overtones regarding what Norris is alleged to have said or implied to a journalist — who is short on detail and evidence — almost a decade ago.

If the anti-Norris camp doesn’t want him to run as a candidate they should come right out and say it and stop fanning the flames of homophobic racism.

Maurice Fitzgerald

Shanbally

Co Cork