Man of compassion with heart in right place

COMING back from France via Le Havre in 1989 after a failed attempt to set up a business in Nice I happened to meet two Irish guys from Offaly who were financially stressed and required help so they could complete their journey home.

I gave them money and within three weeks I received the money back in the post.

In the mid-90s I returned to find my car clamped on the street where Senator Norris lives. I had no money on me. As I was walking down the street in a very stressed state Senator Norris came out of his house. I recognised him and I related my situation. He immediately pulled out his wallet and handed me sufficient money to help me in my hour of need. Just as I did not know the guys in Le Havre, Senator Norris did not know me, but that did not prevent us from helping each other. Like me, Senator Norris is a man who is always willing to help a person and sometimes this can land one in difficulties.

Senator Norris is a man with compassion and has his heart in the right place but, in life, people take advantage of people like him. His kindness is also his weakness, but as a man he is an example to us all and I have no doubt he would have made a great President of Ireland.

He has done no wrong and he deserved to be treated with the highest respect.

Leo Armstrong

Naas

Co Kildare