D Monday, February 22, 2010 News A young girl peers through a hole in a mocked-up image to have her picture taken at the Vancouver Olympics in British Columbia Picture: AP Norris hopes to become first gay Irish President DAVID NorrIs could become the worlds first openly gay male head of state. senator Norris confirmed at the weekend he would be interested in running for President of Ireland, re- placing Mary McAleese when her second term ends next year. Mr Norris, who describes being elected as the greatest honour your fellow Irish people can pay you, said he would like to continue the remark- able tradition started by Irelands sev- enth President. Mary robinson was our first wom- an President, and I think the election of someone like myself, who has al- ways been openly gay, would mark an historic acceptance, he said. And I think that would be good. But of course there is a minority of people in the country, and Ive made my political career out of addressing issues of human rights that spread right across... But in the same way as my very presence in the senate, once they got over it, made a mark, I think the same would happen if I was asked to run for the Park. Bookmaker Paddy Power is offering odds of 33/1 senator Norris will be- come Irelands eighth President. Fian- na Fil MEP Brian Crowley is favour- ite at 9/4, ahead of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern at 4/1 and Fine Gael MEP Mairad McGuinness. A Facebook group backing the hu- man rights activist for the first citi- zens role is fast approaching 1,000 members. By Ross McDonagh Mountain gets new name after pioneer A MoUNTAIN previously known as Negrohead Mountain in Californias santa Monica range has been renamed in honour of the pioneer who settled in the area in the 19th Century. The 619m (2,031ft) peak, now called Ballard Mountain after John Ballard, a former slave who bought the land in 1880, was originally called a racial slur which was changed to negro in the 1960s. Green-build plans are on the Edge DAVID EVAns, better known as U2 guitarist the Edge, has become embroiled in a green-on-green battle to develop his 6.6million ($9m) property site in one of Americas most striking areas of natural beauty. situated high above the Pacific Ocean, the proposed 156-acre development which the Edge claims would respect and honour the landscape of the hills above the Malibu coastline is expected to use environmentally friendly building techniques and green materials should it get the go-ahead. But the Edges vision has attracted the ire of his potential neighbours in the exclusive California enclave, as well as that of the santa Monica Mountain Conservancy, who complain that the five-house development would diminish the skyline and create environmental damage. The California Coastal Commission is expected to rule on the proposal this summer. Eco- friendly: U2s the Edge has to wait for planning decision to build his vision Heads up for Olympic take-off MEP: McGuinness Norris: An honour Good odds: Bertie index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html