David Norris (Independent)

Ar an gcéad dul síos, ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a ghabháil le Micheál D. Ó hUiginn, Uachtarán tofa, lena bhean chéile, Sabina, agus lena chlann go léir. I am pleased our ninth President will be, Michael D. Higgins, a friend of many years standing.

I got to know Michael D. Higgins through our mutual friend, the late Dr. Noel Browne. Michael D. Higgins and I were the only two public representatives to attend the funeral of Dr. Browne in Galway, which I thought quite extraordinary. Perhaps that is because the late Dr. Noel Browne, Michael D. Higgins and I stand for the liberal agenda. I am glad that those who did not want a liberal as President now find themselves somewhat discomforted. There is no doubt but that Michael D. Higgins comes from the great liberal tradition that cherishes equality, human rights, decency and fair treatment for all citizens. He is also a thinker. I was dismayed to hear people suggest during the election campaign that philosophers and philosophy were all wrong and were somehow above or beneath the Irish people. I believe the Irish people have a deep hunger for wise ideas which they and I believe we get from Michael D. Higgins.

I am glad that 67% of my second preference votes went to Michael D. Higgins. That helped to get him elected. As far as I am concerned that was the positive element of the entire election process. If one looks back at Michael D. Higgins's record, he epitomises excellent and unique qualities in Ireland, in particular his devotion to the Irish language, which is not just lip-service. Michael D. is a fluent and beautiful speaker and writer of the Irish language. He is also a poet, a thinker, an academic and a person who probes ideas and is not afraid of examining them, which is extremely important for this country at this time.

Michael D. Higgins will be a great President, one with an interest in human rights and equality. He is also always gentlemanly. There was very little that was unpleasant or unsavoury in the discussions between the candidates of the Presidential election, although I cannot say that in respect of all sections of society.