Politics

David Norris uses final Seanad address to call for peace in Palestine

Norris, Ireland’s longest serving senator, retires from political life on Monday after 36 years

David Norris: Independent senator was first elected to the Seanad in 1987 and has been re-elected in each election since then. Picture: Marc O’Sullivan

The President and Taoiseach have led tributes to Senator David Norris as he formally announced his retirement from political life after 36 years.

Norris, a colourful activist for decades in Ireland, campaigned to abolish Ireland’s anti-homosexuality laws in the 1980s and pushed for progress on LGBT rights.

He was first elected to the Seanad in 1987 and has been re-elected in each election since then, making him Ireland’s longest-serving senator.

Dr Noel Browne (R) who ...