If you were to name your LGBT Friendly Politician of the Year who would you include?

Senator David Norris? (well if he wasn’t gay friendly that’d be a problem) Senator Ivana Bacik (won the title last year) Senator Eoghan Harris?

Yes Eoghan Harris – he’s made the shortlist for the GALAS – The awards ceremony run by the National Lesbian and Gay Federation. The shortlists were sent out to some this evening, thanks to the birdie who delivered as they are not available online yet. Senators Norris and Bacik are short-listed also in this category which is one of twelve which includes awards for volunteers, community groups and event of the year amongst others. Nominations are sought from the general public and a long-list is sent to regional lgbt groups around the country and the shortlist is then sent to the NLGF board for the final decision.

Senator Harris will be remembered by avid Seanad watchers for a speech during the Civil Partnership and Certain Rights of Cohabitants Bill – I do wish it was on the internet but you may be able to see it if you click on this link. Five minutes of a speech and he ends up shortlisted! There may be a bit of mirth when the Seanad reconvenes on that one! Some Dáíl members maybe a bit put out but the speeches were generally better in the upper house. It will be interesting to see who wins!

The awards ceremony takes place on September 24th and I should disclose my delight and gratitude in being short-listed in the online blog/website category. The others short-listed in this category include Marriage Equality and Queerid.

The Journalist category sees the nomination of Carol Coulter, (Irish Times) Martina Devlin (Indo) and Fintan O’Toole (Irish Times) so there’s a bit of competition in the Irish Times Building which maybe Madam Editor will enjoy watching.