After 36 years serving in Seanad Éireann as part of a lifetime of public service, David Norris has resigned his seat in the Upper House, leaving behind a remarkable parliamentary career as Ireland’s longest-serving Senator.
Norris was first elected by the University of Dublin electorate as part of the 18th Seanad in 1987, when he would have been in the public consciousness as a vigorous campaigner for gay rights. One of his initial contributions to Seanad debate, on 25 April 1987, demonstrated the conciseness of thought and wit that would become his trademark during his time in Leinster House.
Is mór an onóir dom a bheith in bhur measc anseo inniu i Seanad Éireann. It is a great privilege to be here this afternoon. I speak, like Senator Mooney, as a new Senator with many of the same objectives. If this is the land of saints and scholars I must confine myself principally to the area of scholarship because to attempt at this early stage in our encounter to persuade Members of the House of my individual sanctity might strain their credulity a little more than perhaps is necessary at this time.
David Norris was first elected to the 18th Seanad in 1987
Norris may well be best associated with his long legal fight to achieve the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Irish law. Speaking to the debate on the Bill that would bring this about in 1993, he expressed the meaning of the momentous legislation:
I have always regarded myself as a liberated person but I must say there has been an unusual spring in my step since last Thursday and I have genuinely breathed more freely.
This is for me a happy day for my fellow legislators have chosen, as the law makers of a free and independent republic, to liberate the gay community from an oppressive, corrupt and deeply damaging law, whose origins are shrouded in the mists of ancient religious prejudice.
Senator Norris attending an event marking the 30th anniversary of the passing of legislation decriminalising homosexuality in Irish law
David Norris has also long been associated with Joycean scholarship to an extent to which his contributions on foreign and domestic policies would at times become entwined with this characterisation. In 2022 Senator Norris introduced legislation to protect Ireland’s built heritage, and the debate coincided with Bloomsday and the unveiling of a portrait of Senator Norris in Leinster House:
An Cathaoirleach: Before I call Senator Norris, I thank him for coming to the House today to propose this legislation - one of many Bills he has proposed throughout his service to Leinster House as the longest continuously serving Senator in the history of the State - on Bloomsday, a day so associated with Ireland and the Senator. It was an honour to have him here today for the dedication and unveiling of his portrait. For the first time, we have a portrait of a sitting Member in Leinster House in acknowledgement of his great, long and distinguished service to the State and the Seanad.
Norris served on the University of Dublin panel as an Independent. Many of his contributions to Seanad debates concerned human rights in a broader global context, including his final address to Seanad Éireann, when Norris spoke to conflict in the Middle East, a topic he had addressed throughout his tenure in Parliament:
Since this is my last opportunity to speak on the floor of this House, I would like to continue to advocate for peace in Palestine, and in particular Gaza. What is happening to the inhabitants of Gaza is appalling and cannot be allowed to continue. Man’s inhumanity to man is our greatest shame.
David Norris leaves behind a rich parliamentary record of debate contributions and sponsored legislation since 1987, which can be explored in his Member profile page.