David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I stand here today to announce that after 36 years, I will be resigning from Seanad Éireann. Following the Order of Business, I will formally submit my letter of resignation to An Cathaoirleach, Senator Buttimer. Before I do so, I will take this opportunity to thank a number of people who have helped me along the way. I will first mention my great friend, the incomparable Miriam Gordon Smith. That applause is richly deserved. I would also like to mention my election agent and friend over 36 years, Mr. Brian Murray.Brian has stuck with me from my early attempts to my final campaign of 2020, and has been a source of good and honest advice. I will miss our senatorial collaborations.

Second, I thank the very many graduates who have supported me and given me their number one vote consistently over many years. I have tried to represent them to the best of my ability. I would also like to mention all those people who, in the old days, mounted a progress line of people stuffing and folding envelopes, and all that kind of stuff. They were an essential element in the early days.

I voice my appreciation for the many senatorial colleagues, past and present, with whom it has been a pleasure to collaborate. Some names in particular jump to mind, such as Joe O'Toole, Brendan Ryan, Feargal Quinn, Joe Lee, John Crown and Sean Barrett, and, of course, my current colleagues and friends across all parties and none.

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. It goes completely against the Jewish ethic, which is"l'chaim", or "to life". The present Israeli Government under Netanyahu has committed them to death instead of to life, and to death in overwhelming numbers for the unfortunate trapped citizens of Gaza. I deplore it completely. What is happening is appalling and cannot be allowed to continue. Man's inhumanity to man is our greatest shame. I urge Senators to continue to push for peace in our times.

Finally, I voice my support for the forthcoming referendums on the family. It is important that they succeed, and even though I will be retired, I will be, to the best of my ability, campaigning for their success. I thank Senators very much.