A sub-heading said that few people attached any negative images to him, despite controversy. The poll would send out political shock waves, igniting a new debate about Norris’s decision to resign, and would also define the weaknesses and strengths of the candidates. The Millward Brown Lansdowne poll on 4 September showed that Higgins commanded the lead, with 32 per cent of first-preference support, nine points ahead of Mitchell, followed by Norris, who had 18 per cent, despite having withdrawn from the race. It found that 34 per cent of the people asked would favour Norris re-entering the race. Jody Corcoran wrote: The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, last week moved the order for the presidential election, which will be held on October 27. The closing date for nomination of candidates, however, is September 28, which gives Mr Norris almost four weeks to reconsider his position … The clear interpretation is that many people wish to see Mr Norris in the race for the presidency, even if they do not support him themselves.
