It’s been mentioned in the run up to previous elections but today I think is the first time Senator David Norris has seriously thrown his hat in the ring for nomination to contest the Presidency (Election to take place next year).

In today’s Sunday Tribune Norris admits he is interested.  There is a facebook group and petitions underway already.

“The pressure has come from people. And it’s pretty consistent, and, of course, I feel obliged to say yes of course, I would consider it and it would be a huge honour,” Norris said.

“I’m an ideas man. And I’ve contributed ideas. I mean the Metro, for example, was my idea, for the last 25 years. And I skillfully steered it through. And it looks as if even in the recession we might get it.

“All this Joyce stuff, Bloomsday and all this, that was my brainwave 30 or 40 years ago,and look where it’s gone.”

Norris does not want to run for Dublin Mayor as he does not feel he has the correct set of talents for the job.

In order to receive a nomination for the Presidency he must receive the support of 20 members of the Oireachtas or 4 County Councils.

Brian Crowley MEP is touted as being in line for the Fianna Fáil nomination. No news on Fine Gael. Norris said that he would have difficulty running not only because securing the votes of enough parliamentarians  but there is also the Michael D. Higgins factor – Michael D. is someone that Norris much admires. No word on whether Michael D. is interested in running though.

Cue the campaign for the 3rd Mary. (Thanks to Junior Larkin for that particular inspiration 🙂 )

By the way Ivan Yates is listed in the Paddy Power odds for the Presidency as 33/1 – the same odds as David Norris.  Not sure if anyone has asked Ivan if he is interested in running – see previous post on my reaction?