INDEPENDENT SENATOR David Norris is “hopeful” that he may secure the support of 20 Oireachtas members necessary to allow him stand in the presidential elections.
Finian McGrath, the Independent TD for Dublin North Central, announced yesterday that he would nominate Mr Norris for the presidency.
Mr Norris had previously declared his interest in contesting the October elections to find a successor to President Mary McAleese.
However, to become a candidate he must be formally supported by at least 20 members of the Dáil and Seanad, or get the full backing of four local authorities out of the 34.
Independent candidates in recent elections – including Dana Rosemary Scallon and Derek Nally – have secured nominations by winning support from county councils.
However, with Mr McGrath’s statement yesterday, the possibility arose of Mr Norris securing the necessary support from fellow TDs and Senators.
His spokeswoman said that he was hopeful of receiving a nomination and was very happy with the support he received from Mr McGrath.
“The engagement process with Dáil members is ongoing. Once the new Seanad is formed, we will see how we go from there,” said the spokeswoman, adding Mr Norris was very satisfied with the progress he has had to date.
In his statement, Mr McGrath said Mr Norris was a man of great ability, courage and integrity and would be a strong independent voice.
“It is time to challenge all of the big parties and put a real independent into the Áras. I urge all Independent deputies, Senators and councillors to support David,” he said.
Mr McGrath said he would “work like hell” among the Independent group of TDs to help secure Mr Norris’s nomination.
In all there are 19 Independent TDs, 16 of whom are members of the technical group. At least four other members of the group have said privately they would support Mr Norris but others – including the five United Left Alliance TDs – have yet to show their hand.
The Seanad always has at least four or five Independent senators, most of whom are drawn from the university panels.
The spokeswoman also said Mr Norris has written to the cathaoirligh of all 34 full local authorities in the State asking them permission to address the chambers.
He visited Longford County Council and Laois County Council last week, asking for the support of both councils.
Fine Gael MEP for Ireland East Mairéad McGuinness has also declared her interest as has the former Labour minister and TD Michael D Higgins and the party’s former chef de cabinet Fergus Finlay. The Fine Gael selection process is likely to take place in June. Labour had intended to make its decision in late April but postponed the process when the general election was called. It will now take place next month.
