Retiring Senator David Norris used his final speech in the Seanad to call for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine. 

The independent senator retired today after 36 years in office, making him the longest-serving senator in the State. 

Delivering his final speech in the Seanad chamber, Mr Norris said he “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,” he said. 

“It goes completely against the Jewish ethic, which is L’Chaim – to life. 

“The present [Israeli] Government under Netanyahu has committed to, instead of life, to death in overwhelming numbers for the unfortunate citizens trapped in Gaza.” 

Upcoming referendum

Mr Norris also took the opportunity to support the upcoming referendum on changing the constitutional definition of the family and the role of women. ref

“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,” he said.

Mr Norris received a standing ovation from his fellow senators following his speech. 

Norris a 'man of many parts'

Seanad Cathoirleach Jeremy Buttimer said the retiring senator’s final speech showed his “passion has not diminished” for social and political issues. 

“You weren’t just a one-trick pony,” he said. “You were a man of many parts.” 

Mr Buttimer noted that, over his career, Mr Norris has campaigned on several social issues including LGBTQ+ rights, abolishing the death penalty and the preservation of bees. 

Senator Norris will be remembered for his role in the campaign against Ireland’s anti-homosexuality laws – including the case he took against Ireland in the European Court of Human Rights in 1988.

'Courage beyond the ordinary'

President Michael D Higgins paid tribute to Mr Norris in a letter read by Mr Buttimer, noting the retiring senator had “courage beyond the ordinary”. 

“Your legacy will be as a champion for equality and diversity will continue to inspire future generations to come,” the president wrote. 

"May I wish you every happiness in your retirement and fulfilment as you begin this new chapter in your life, one that I hope will include a well-deserved rest in the knowledge that your work has helped make Ireland a better place for all.” 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also praised Mr Norris’ campaigns for equality in a letter, noting three members of the current Cabinet are openly gay. 

Mr Norris was first elected as an independent senator in the Dublin University constituency in 1987. 

In November 2023, he announced in an interview with Trinity News he would retire in January. 

Main image: Independent Senator David Norris. Image: Seanad Independent Group