Senator David Norris has announced plans to retire from politics in January.

In an interview with Trinity News the independent senator said it was time ‘pass the baton’ on to a new generation.

He said he now plans move to Cyprus to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation and sunshine.

The Joycean scholar and gay rights activist was first elected to the Seanad for Dublin University in 1987 and has been re-elected at each opportunity since then.

During his time as a Senator, he took the Irish Government to the European Court of Human Rights, successfully arguing that Ireland’s criminalisation of homosexuality was a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

After 36 years in the upper house, Senator Norris is now the longest serving member in the Seanad's history.

He was also an unsuccessful candidate in the 2011 Presidential election.

He is expected to formally announce his retirement in the Seanad after the Christmas recess.

Main image: Independent Senator David Norris at a ceremony in Leinster House, as his Seanad colleagues presented him with a portrait of himself by artist William Nathans. Picture by: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie