Senator David Norris pulls out of presidential race

Senator David Norris today pulled the plug on his presidential bid, after telling reporters that he had been overwhelmed by the support his efforts had received.

“I have also now demonstrated that it is possible for a gay candidate to run for the highest office in the land,” said Norris as he held a press conference at his North Great Georges Street home this afternoon to confirm that he had formally withdrawn his campaign.

Following recent revelations that Norris had written a letter on Seanad notepaper to an Israeli court asking for clemency for his former lover who had been convicted of the statutory rape of a 15-year-old boy, it was thought that Norris' bid for the presidency was in tatters.

Of the letter which brought an end to his political dream, Norris said: “My motivation to write the letter was out of love and concern. I was eager to support someone who has been very important and continues to be important in my life.”

Independent TDs Finian McGarth, John Halligan and Thomas Pringle all withdrew their support for the senator last night, meaning that he had the Oireachtas signatories of just 11 senators and TDs to win a nomination, rather than the required 20.

Norris took no questions from assembled reporters at the press conference.