Scandal Drives Gay Candidate Out of Race to Become Irish President

Today marked the end of a campaign by the gay man who had led public opinion polls to become Ireland's president.

Sen. David Norris was discovered this weekend to have long ago sent a letter to Israeli authorities asking for clemency for his former partner, Ezra Nawi, who was accused of statutory rape involving a 15-year-old boy. Norris failed to disclose that his ongoing relationship with Nawi, who was later convicted.

The Irish public, which has been upset by the molestation scandal in the Catholic Church, quickly seemed to withdraw its support for their once favored son. A string of high-profile resignations from Norris's campaign staff preceded wary statements from other prominent backers.

Norris acknowledged his mistake when announcing the end of his campaign today in a news conference held in front of his Dublin home.


http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/08/02/Scandal_Drives_Gay_Candidate_Out_of_Race_to_Become_Irish_President/