Senator David Norris retires from Seanad

As Senator David Norris brought the curtain down on his Seanad career today he received warm tributes from colleagues following almost four decades of service.

Seanad Independent Group members today paid tribute to Senator Norris during his last Order of Business in the Seanad, concluding his career as the longest-serving Irish Senator after almost 37 years.

Senator Norris announced his retirement earlier last year in an interview published by Trinity News.

First elected to the Dublin University Constituency in 1987, Senator Norris is the person credited with having overthrown Ireland’s anti-homosexuality law following a campaign involving court cases that lasted for over 14 years.

He was the founder of the Campaign for Homosexual Law Reform and was the first openly gay person elected to public office in Ireland.

Today, Head usher Alan Ruane and Senators Boyhan and McDowell, leader and whip of the Seanad Independent Group, welcomed Senator Norris, at the entrance of Leinster House.

After photos were taken, he met with the Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer before he gave his last speech on the Order of Business.

During his last speech, Senator Norris thanked his voters in the Trinity constituency for supporting him over the years and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Pictured from left: Senator Victor Boyhan, Senator David Norris and Senator Michael McDowell

His colleagues in the Seanad Independent Group have also made statements paying tribute to his work and legacy.

Senator Victor Boyhan, the Leader of the Independent Group in Seanad Éireann wished Senator Norris a warm farewell.

“Typical of my political colleague and friend, David chose his own time and this parliamentary chamber (Seanad Éireann), which he loved and respected, to take his last bow as Seanadóir,” he said.

“A man of true grit, energy, charm, compassion, and a great orator; all qualities he used effectively in this parliament and beyond.

“Articulate, debonair, persuasive, driven, imaginative, flamboyant; the ultimate showman, a skill he uses to great effect.

“On behalf of the Seanad Independent Group, I wish David a warm farewell, we will miss you; your courageous advocacy will be your enduring legacy”.

Group whip Senator Michael McDowell spoke highly of his colleague during the Order of Business in the Seanad Camber saying: “What I want to say about Senator Norris’s contribution is that it hasn’t simply been the area of gay rights in which he set up the Hirschfield Centre, in which he encouraged people to stand up for themselves in which he brought cases to the courts.

“All of that requires immense courage; the President said that courage was one of David’s contributions to the public, but that has all been done with a great sense of fun and a sense of irreverence, he has championed the underprivileged.

“He has, in addition, done so much for other causes, such as Palestine and anti-apartheid in South Africa.

“I want to say on behalf of the independent group it is a pleasure dealing with you. We’re sorry to see you go… and we wish you happiness in your future years.”

Senator Tom Clonan, a fellow Trinity Senator, paid tribute to his colleague saying: “As the newest Senator elected to Seanad Éireann, I wish the longest, serving Senator, my cousin, Senator David Norris a long and happy retirement.

“Ní Bheidh A Leithéid Ann Arís.”

Senator Sharon Keogan commented on the respect that Senator Norris always showed towards his colleagues saying: “Senator Norris is someone I’ve admired for many years.

“His warmth and kindness to me is something I have cherished since I was elected to the Seanad in 2020.

“He has been a wonderful ambassador for equality and diversity.

“He is immensely witty, and I will miss his colourful presence in this House.”

Senator Norris says he will split his time between Cyprus and Dublin following his retirement from the Seanad.