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Ireland Welcomes Its First Gay Prime Minister

Ireland Welcomes Its First Gay Prime Minister

Breaking.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Leo Varadkar has been confirmed as Ireland's first openly gay prime minister.

The 38-year-old former GP, who is also the youngest PM in the country's history, won the ballot to lead the Fine Gael party earlier this month.

Mr Varadkar was elected Taoiseach (prime minister) by 57 votes to 50 in Ireland's parliament, while 45 members abstained from the vote.

He was nominated during the beginning of proceedings by the outgoing leader Enda Kenny, who said he has the integrity and skill to carry out the role.

Mr Kenny said: "As the country's youngest holder of this office, he speaks for a new generation of Irish women and Irish men.

Leo Varadkar being congratulated by supporters
Leo Varadkar being congratulated by supporters

Credit: PA

"He represents a modern, diverse and inclusive Ireland and speaks for them like no other, an Ireland in which each person can fulfil their potential and live their dreams."

The new Taoiseach was first elected a councillor at just 24-years-old. But it wasn't until the 2015 referendum on same-sex marriage that he publicly came out as gay.

He told the national broadcaster RTÉ: "It's not a secret - but not something that everyone would necessarily know, but it isn't something I've spoken publicly about before.

Leo Varadkar at leadership ballot
Leo Varadkar at leadership ballot

Credit: PA

"I won't be allowing my own background or my own sexual orientation to dictate the decisions that I make. I just kind of want to be honest with people. I don't want anyone to think that I have a hidden agenda."

During his time at the Fine Gael party, he's been the minister for transport, tourism and sport as well as health minister.

Speaking before the vote, the new Taoiseach said: "If somebody of my age, of my mixed-race background and of all the things that make up my character can potentially become leader of our country, then I think that sends out a message to every child born today that there is no office in Ireland that they can't aspire to."

Supports of Mr Varadkar have been celebrating the news on social media.

Mr Varadkar is on his way to the president's residence, Áras an Uachtaráin. Once he's there, President Michael D Higgins will give him the seal of office.

The new prime minister's rival during the leadership ballot, Simon Coveney, has been named as the party's deputy.

Featured Image Credit: PA