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David Norris was hammered in the Daily Mail yesterday in an article which said, among other things, that he didn’t believe in an age of consent. Here, Norris hits back.

The front page of yesterday’s Daily Mail read, ‘David Norris told the Irish Daily Mail last year that prostitution and ALL drugs should be legalised, he was pro-abortion and advocated pederasty. And in the shockingly frank interview that raises serious questions about his suitability for the presidency, he said: I don’t believe in an age of consent.’

So, Norris released an open letter earlier today which he’s probably hoping will clear up his views on a few things:

“Dear Supporter,

Over the last number of days quotes, opinions and beliefs on a range of societal issues have been attributed to me, some correct and others grossly inaccurate. To combat any further confusion or interpretation of my position on these matters I have personally outlined below my opinions on the subjects raised.

As the longest serving Senator of the State I fight on a daily basis for a better society for all, introducing legislation and structures to support the most vulnerable citizens of our country. My record is testament to my commitment in this area.

With your continued support I will carry on my campaign to become President of Ireland, with even greater and renewed impetus, determination and strength; A President who will represent its people.

Legalising Drugs

Living in inner-city Dublin, I am acutely aware of the harmful affects that the drug culture has had on my community and wider society. The blunt instrument of criminalisation is not working because of the vast profits it generates for organised crime. No country can face this problem on its own. I believe that there
needs to be a European led global response. Hard as it is to accept, my view is that the welfare of the community, including the victims of drug abuse may be better served by having access to quality controlled, legally prescribed drugs.

What is your view on prostitution?

My views and opinions on prostitution have always been directed towards the welfare and protection of the women involved and the introduction of whatever means necessary to ensure their safety and well-being.

What is your view on incest?

Incest is morally and medically wrong. It is dangerous and illegal and justifiably so.

What is your view on abortion?

The issue of abortion is always a sensitive, personal and emotive issue in our society. I believe that access to information and education is the true champion of reducing the instance of abortion. My hope is that both sides in this difficult moral debate will respect each other’s differences.

The Catholic Church

I have very many Catholic friends and as a devout Christian, I have the greatest respect for the commitment and faith shown by many people, the length and breath of the country. My criticisms are not aimed at the honest decent men and women of faith, who have played a significant role in the founding and development of our country, but rather with the Vatican as a political entity and
institution and its interference in matters of state. Also as a gay man, I find the Pope’s teachings on homosexuality negative and ill-informed.

Child Protection

I abhor child abuse in all its forms: psychological, sexual or emotional. I have always campaigned for Children’s rights and was central in introducing the appointment of guardian ad litem (mandatory legal representation for children) to child protection cases in court to ensure that the rights of the child are properly represented. I have also spoken out strongly in the Seanad on the recent Roscommon Child abuse case and on all reports into child abuse. My record in this area speaks for itself.

Cathal O’Searcaigh

I have only met Cathal O’Searcaigh once on Wicklow St. in Dublin, I have no other connection or relationship to him. I am a strong believer in natural justice and if the allegations that were made in the documentary are true this is a matter for the authorities to investigate and if necessary to prosecute if a crime has been demonstrated. I feel that the trial by media that took place around this issue would have frustrated any proceedings and that a court of law was the place to have these discussions and not on afternoon chat shows.

Age of consent

In my view, the people best equipped to make these difficult moral and legal decisions are the judiciary. Legislation based on the principle of consent empowers the judiciary. Consent based on age, has resulted in many instances in the inappropriate criminal prosecution of minors. This is the approach that I would personally support.

Pederasty

Pederasty is a term describing sexual relations between an older and a younger man in ancient Greece. My experience as a young man in Dublin was that there were no social outlets for gay men. I was left in ignorance by society and didn’t consciously meet another gay male until I was in my 20s. The subject was surrounded by silence and fear. Then I read Plato’s symposium, in which there is a discussion about the nature of love. The greatest philosopher ever argued that physical love was the gateway to spiritual love, very movingly it concludes with the most beautiful young man in Athens, Alcibiades admitting that he has offered himself sexually to Socrates in return for sharing in Socrates’ wisdom. This text was preserved throughout the middle ages. I saw this enlightening approach and experience as a much more interesting and preferable introduction to sexuality than my own experience. That is my own personal opinion.

Spectrum of justice

As a legislator and a citizen, I have always upheld and supported the law. I believe in justice delivered proportionately, across the spectrum of the relevant crime. Sexual abuse is always wrong, but as in all crimes, there is a spectrum and this is appropriately recognised in sentencing policy and throughout Irish law.

Media Reporting of Abuse

My comments relating to the impact of media reporting on the victims of sex abuse being worse than the actual abuse have been misconstrued and have caused hurt, for which I am saddened. I have always spoken out on behalf of the victims of abuse and feel that anyone that has suffered any form of abuse, must report it to the authorities and the perpetrators should face the full rigours of the law. I would like to think that people would judge me on my track record on child protection and my political contribution in this area.

Every candidate in every election has personal opinions, which they must set aside in order to fulfil their public duties and I intend to be no different and to reflect the broad opinions of a proud Irish nation.

Senator David Norris

9th June 2011”