Wednesday, August 10, 2011 12:00

Councillor speaks out on Norris controversy

A NORTHSIDE councillor, who experienced child sexual abuse by the Christian Brothers has told how he was left with no option but to withdraw his support for David Norris in his bid to become President.
Clontarf ward councillor Damian O’Farrell (Ind) said that while his experience, which ultimately led to the conviction of a Christian Brother, “did have a bearing on my decision it wasn’t the overriding factor”.  Senator Norris withdrew from the Presidential race last Tuesday (August 2) following revelations that he wrote a letter to an Israeli court seeking clemency for his former partner, Ezra Yitzhak Nawi, following his conviction for the statutory rape of a 15-year-old Palestinian boy. Cllr O’Farrell is a close political ally of Independent TD Finian McGrath, who had initially spearheaded Oireachtas support for David Norris’ Presidential bid before withdrawing his support last week in the wake of the controversy. The day before Norris bowed out of the race (August 1), Cllr O’Farrell emailed a letter to the Senator outlining his reasons for withdrawing his support.In his letter to Senator Norris, Cllr O’Farrell wrote: “I recognise that you are a very fine politician who has made immense contributions to Irish society and I had believed that you fully deserved to be a candidate for the Presidential election. “However, the recent revelations concerning your interventions on behalf of Mr Ezra Yizhik in 1997 have caused me to reconsider my support of your candidacy.“I note from your interview in the Sunday Independent that you are appalled by Ezra’s behaviour and that you abhor any abuse of children. “However, there is absolutely no flavour of this in your appeal/mitigation letter. “For example, in your mitigating argument you mention the study of sentencing laws and practice in the state of Victoria, ‘Where the victim not only consents but could be considered the instigator or at least a willing participant, a sentence towards the lower end of the range will be appropriate’. “I believe that a 15-year-old, be they heterosexual or homosexual, is not of an age where they can give mature consent, instigate, or be a willing participant in having sex with an adult. As such, I am deeply troubled that you would mention the Victoria study in mitigation.”Cllr O’Farrell said it was his belief that a 15-year-old was too young to be invoved in a sexual relationship with any adult, as they don’t possess adequate maturity at that age.He added: “A sexual relationship between a 15-year-old and an intelligent thirty something year old adult constitutes sexual abuse and is bound to have significant negative impact on a 15-year-old abused in this way.“From the evidence presented in your letters, it is my belief that your understanding of consensual sex and the age of consent is flawed and causes me sufficient concern not to vote for you myself. “I believe that it would be hypocritical of me to support your efforts to be included on the ballot paper if I was not then prepared to vote for you.”                    Cllr O Farrell said he had previously been determined to do his best for Senator Norris in his campaign.“I had been looking forward to actively canvassing other Dublin City Councillors in August and September on his behalf,” he stated. “I have sympathy for David Norris as I think that he could possibly have been a great President. I admire the way he stood down, showing great dignity.     “I believe he still had very strong feelings for his friend (Ezra Yizhak Nawi) and wanted to help him. “He doesn’t regret trying to help his friend and I respect him more for that. “He put in a great effort in defence of his friend which is in itself very commendable. “I believe his feelings clouded his judgement at the time and the contents of his letter (to the Israeli court) made it impossible for me to continue supporting him.“Senator Norris isn’t a criminal and hasn’t committed a crime and he has my respect.  “He’s a good guy and I doubt he has harmed anyone in his life and isn’t that a nice thing to be said about anyone.”Meanwhile, after withdrawing his support, Deputy Finian McGrath said he deeply regretted the position he found himself in.“However, the protection of children and the integrity of the President’s office have got to come first,” he stated. “I also had major concerns about the context of the letter which displayed poor judgement and a lack of understanding of consensual sex and the age of consent.“Post Cloyne Report we all have to be vigilant and child protection has got to be a priority.” Deputy McGrath said it was an extremely difficult decision to make as he has a high regard for Senator Norris.   “We all make mistakes in life but child protection, judicial independence and the office of the President are important matters when it comes to running for the Presidency of our country,” he added. “I wish David well in the future.” 

More Information - http://www.dublinpeople.com/content/view/1968/57/