Madam, – While I am sure David Norris will be a thoughtprovoking and worthy presidential candidate, I was somewhat surprised to see that he will be contesting the forthcoming Seanad elections.
An obvious question arises as to how much time Mr Norris can commit to being a senator while simultaneously fighting a national election campaign of considerable intensity. Should he not concentrate on the presidency, and leave the Seanad to people who aspire to serve a full term there? Is this not especially the case given the limited time which the Seanad has to justify its existence? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – With Senator Norris kick-starting the 2011 presidential election by announcing his candidacy (Home News, March 15th), doesn’t this give a perfect opportunity for the new Fine Gael/Labour Government to shows its commitment to political reform? A first step would be to make it easier for any Irish citizen to run for the presidency rather than having to rely on the goodwill of the political elite for a nomination. And surely, as an Irish citizen who lives abroad, I should have the right to vote and help choose our new president? After all, the president of Ireland is meant to represent all Irish citizens – whether living at home or abroad. – Yours, etc,