The David Norris withdrawal

Dear sir - It is sad to see that bigotry and parish pump politics is alive and kicking in Ireland. With the visits of the Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama, we were all lulled into a sense of false security about Ireland having moved on from the FF/FG/Labour policies, but what a reversal in the forced standing down of David Norris. It really is as important now to find out who, why and where the story was leaked from and who okayed it. I have a funny feeling it's going to be very close to the bone of the Fine Gael and Labour parties swept to power last February by the Irish electorate. Once more - remember The Lisbon Treaty - democracy takes a hammering as David Norris was the people's absolute choice for president, according to the polling. But when did politicians ever listen to or deliver for the Irish people? Hang your collective heads in shame now - is the time for your tears. I think a show of spoiled votes would be an appropriate response to the way the mainstream parties smeared David Norris into oblivion. Write down David Norris's name on your presidential ballot sheet and mark your 'X' beside it. It will be a spoiled vote but it still be counted and therefore you can still hold your head high as having voted. It won't shame the shameless, but it will put them on notice. Yours, Mel Devlin, Johnstown, Navan.