Menu
19/01/2015
'I Am A Gay Man' - Health Minister Leo Varadkar
The Minister for Health, has publicly revealed that he is gay.
Minister Leo Varadkar made the statement during an interview with RTÉ Radio, saying that he had chosen to speak publicly in order to fully support the government's referendum on marriage equality.
Speaking on Sunday with Miriam on RTÉ Radio 1, Mr Varadkar said: "I'm a very private person and I still am. I keep my private life to myself and that's going to continue.
"I always think that friends and family are off-bounds. I went into politics, they didn't.
"But, I am a gay man - it's not a secret - but not something that everyone would necessarily know, but it isn't something I've spoken publicly about before."
The Dublin West TD, who turns 36 today (Monday), revealed that he has only come to terms with his own sexuality within the last two years, but added that he has always known that he was gay.
"I just want people to know that whatever decisions are made on any issue, I'll make them according to what I believe is in the public interest and my own conscience," Mr Varadkar added.
"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."
(MH/IT)
Minister Leo Varadkar made the statement during an interview with RTÉ Radio, saying that he had chosen to speak publicly in order to fully support the government's referendum on marriage equality.
Speaking on Sunday with Miriam on RTÉ Radio 1, Mr Varadkar said: "I'm a very private person and I still am. I keep my private life to myself and that's going to continue.
"I always think that friends and family are off-bounds. I went into politics, they didn't.
"But, I am a gay man - it's not a secret - but not something that everyone would necessarily know, but it isn't something I've spoken publicly about before."
The Dublin West TD, who turns 36 today (Monday), revealed that he has only come to terms with his own sexuality within the last two years, but added that he has always known that he was gay.
"I just want people to know that whatever decisions are made on any issue, I'll make them according to what I believe is in the public interest and my own conscience," Mr Varadkar added.
"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."
(MH/IT)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 February 2014
Varadker Called To Act On UK Hauliers Levy
The Minister for Transport has been urged to raise the concerns of Irish hauliers with his British counterpart over a new levy on all foreign vehicles entering British soil, including Northern Ireland.
Varadker Called To Act On UK Hauliers Levy
The Minister for Transport has been urged to raise the concerns of Irish hauliers with his British counterpart over a new levy on all foreign vehicles entering British soil, including Northern Ireland.
26 January 2015
Health Minister Seeks Advice On Blood Donations From Gay Men
Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said that he is seeking advice from the Chief Medical Officer on reviewing the ban on gay men donating blood. In a statement Mr Varadkar said he favoured a deferral period – which would allow gay men to donate blood if they had not engaged in certain sexual activity during an agreed time period.
Health Minister Seeks Advice On Blood Donations From Gay Men
Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said that he is seeking advice from the Chief Medical Officer on reviewing the ban on gay men donating blood. In a statement Mr Varadkar said he favoured a deferral period – which would allow gay men to donate blood if they had not engaged in certain sexual activity during an agreed time period.
26 May 2015
Marriage Referendum Results Welcomed
Sinn Féin said the result of the marriage referendum represents the lifting of discrimination against the gay community in the rest of the island of Ireland. Daithí McKay MLA is also calling for the same rights to be extended to Northern Ireland.
Marriage Referendum Results Welcomed
Sinn Féin said the result of the marriage referendum represents the lifting of discrimination against the gay community in the rest of the island of Ireland. Daithí McKay MLA is also calling for the same rights to be extended to Northern Ireland.
13 February 2013
Study Into LGBT Parenting In Ireland Welcomed
Labour Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) has welcomed the publication of the first large scale study into the experiences of LGBT people in Ireland who are parents or are planning parenthood. The groundbreaking research was carried out by LGBT Diversity and was launched in Dublin yesterday by Senator Katherine Zappone.
Study Into LGBT Parenting In Ireland Welcomed
Labour Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) has welcomed the publication of the first large scale study into the experiences of LGBT people in Ireland who are parents or are planning parenthood. The groundbreaking research was carried out by LGBT Diversity and was launched in Dublin yesterday by Senator Katherine Zappone.
09 October 2012
McAleese Expresses Support For Gay Marriage
Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese has said she supports gay marriage. “I have no problem with it at all,” she said.
McAleese Expresses Support For Gay Marriage
Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese has said she supports gay marriage. “I have no problem with it at all,” she said.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A fine end to the day with some evening sunshine. It remains mainly dry overnight with a touch of frost or fog patches possible in places. However, cloud is expected to increase towards dawn with the odd light shower. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
