David Norris (Independent)

I also referred to the clearly demonstrated public support. I did not say that it was unanimous but it was very clear that there was a considerable interest in the matter.

I shall return to the amendment. I welcome the fact that Senator Gilroy approved of certain aspects despite giving himself some camouflage by picking holes in the language. I would be happy to joust with him on that aspect but I do not want to waste time. It is insulting just to recite existing facts. I note the Constitution of Ireland sets out the requirements for the nomination of candidates to the office of President of Ireland. What information, that people are not aware of, does that bring to the House? Every schoolchild in the land is aware of this fact. It is an insult to produce this as if it was an argument. One might as well say this country is Ireland and Seanad Éireann notes that the country is called Ireland. It is as fatuous, as empty and as flatulent as that.

I note in the 2011 presidential election, seven candidates, the highest ever number, were validly nominated in spite of everything that was done by the political parties. I make an exception in the case of the honourable example of the then Deputy Michael D. Higgins, an old colleague of mine.