Leo Varadkar comes out as gay

Royal Legend · 18-01-2015 11:30am

Lambsbread wrote: »

Its not something that will change my opinion of him. Generally when people in the public eye cone out my reaction is 'meh, I dont care'.

However, I do hope this is something that will not be used against him in the dail, the media or anywhere else for that matter. It would sadden me if members of the public start shouting 'Homo' or 'queer' at him on the street.

Sadly you will get a very small minority that will do this.

Abuse for his ineptitude in his position as Minster for Health is a different argument

Daith · 18-01-2015 11:30am

mad muffin wrote: »

Please. It's ireland. Not Russia. Now if he came out in Russia. That would be a brave and bold move, to be applauded.

Here. Not so much.

Have you come out yourself? Do you know many ppl who have?

Richard Hillman · 18-01-2015 11:31am

One of the good guys.

Bootros Bootros · 18-01-2015 11:32am

DeanAustin wrote: »

Can't say I agree with that at all. Any interview I've heard from him he hasn't been afraid to call it as he sees it. For instance, in health he hasnt promised the sun, moon and stars which would have been populist.

He's also one of the strongest TDs when being interviewed for me so hardly reliant on notes.

The fact that he is honest about health impresses me. The Trolly stuff has always been with us, I tend to blame the local hospital managers and regional managers and CEOs. The very people bleating about health ministers doing their job are the very first to criticise any reform. No matter how small.

flanzer · 18-01-2015 11:33am

donedl1 wrote: »

I do not like Fine Gael but Leo has always seemed honest in his dealings.

Are you sure? Remember him saying 'not another red cent' will be pumped into Anglo, yet €1.25bn was paid into it a couple of weeks into taking over the country and a further €24bn paid into other Irish banks. Honest me hole!

padd b1975 · 18-01-2015 11:35am

flanzer wrote: »

Are you sure? Remember him saying 'not another red cent' will be pumped into Anglo, yet €1.25bn was paid into it a couple of weeks into taking over the country and a further €24bn paid into other Irish banks. Honest me hole!

Do you seriously think that was his decision alone to make?

allthedoyles · 18-01-2015 11:35am

lots of disappointed thirty something females out there now

Satriale · 18-01-2015 11:36am

Good for you Leo, but i didnt think it was a secret, and i dont even have one of them gaydar yokes...

wow sierra · 18-01-2015 11:37am

allthedoyles wrote: »

lots of disappointed thirty something females out there now

Yeah but think of all the happy Gay men !!

flanzer · 18-01-2015 11:37am

padd b1975 wrote: »

Do you seriously think that was his decision alone to make?

Well if he was honest, he would have said that another some of money will have to be paid. The dog on the street knew that. simples.com

Sir Oxman · 18-01-2015 11:38am

I suppose it's good for him to get it out in the open, maybe because today is his 36th birthday he thought, feck it.

My guess is most people will just go 'oh, alright' and move on.

smcgiff · 18-01-2015 11:39am

Joeytheparrot wrote: »

No

He was outed.

In the same way as he outed himself today, it was probably still news for some.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1 · 18-01-2015 11:41am

Joeytheparrot wrote: »

No

He was outed.

So what? You have to let this obsession go mate.

mrsbyrne · 18-01-2015 11:41am

Lambsbread wrote: »

Its not something that will change my opinion of him. Generally when people in the public eye cone out my reaction is 'meh, I dont care'.

However, I do hope this is something that will not be used against him in the dail, the media or anywhere else for that matter. It would sadden me if members of the public start shouting 'Homo' or 'queer' at him on the street.

I've never heard anyone shouting homophobic abuse but I've read it does happen. Are there people not to be pitied to some extent as this shouting of abuse surely indicates mental health issues? Of course doesn't make it acceptable but would explain it? Surely no mentally well person in yhe last 20 has shouted any abuse at a random stranger on the street?

Annasopra · 18-01-2015 11:42am

Jaelynn Bumpy Matte wrote: »

So what? You have to let this obsession go mate.

Im not your "mate"

RobertKK · 18-01-2015 11:42am

I'm fed of people 'coming out'. Tell family and friends if you want, but I don't care if Leo Varadkar wanted a sex change to become Leona Varadkar.

I mean I don't care what you are, it just seems to make it a bigger deal than being heterosexual. Why do we need to know the sexuality of someone we don't personally know?

I will think no different of him, but do we need people in the public eye to tell us if they are heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, intergender or transgender or whatever you are having yourself?

Some may say this helps acceptance, but on the other hand it is making being homosexual a bigger deal than being heterosexual, and surely one wants everyone to be treated with respect whatever they are.

The sceptic in me says, he is coming out now due to the same sex marriage referendum. When in reality it shouldn't make any difference to voters what sexual orientation he is.

paddydriver · 18-01-2015 11:42am

Simon Coveney is loving this.. nothing in his way to the top now.

Annasopra · 18-01-2015 11:42am

mrsbyrne wrote: »

I've never heard anyone shouting homophobic abuse but I've read it does happen. Are there people not to be pitied to some extent as this shouting of abuse surely indicates mental health issues? Of course doesn't make it acceptable but would explain it? Surely no mentally well person in yhe last 20 has shouted any abuse at a random stranger on the street?

It happens quite a lot

FalconGirl · 18-01-2015 11:43am

Fair play to Leo to be honest this is a real non-story to me. The HSE still needs to be fixed. I hope this story dies soon and the limelight can be firmly put back on fixing the health system.

Its the 21st century, it shouldnt be a huge thing to come out. The media puckering up and congrats on twitter is making me squirm a little tbh.

wandatowell · 18-01-2015 11:44am

Joeytheparrot wrote: »

Im not your "mate"

:rolleyes:

RobertKK · 18-01-2015 11:45am

paddydriver wrote: »

Simon Coveney is loving this.. nothing in his way to the top now.

Really?

I mean only bigots will now vote for Simon....

DeanAustin · 18-01-2015 11:45am

RobertKK wrote: »

I'm fed of people 'coming out'. Tell family and friends if you want, but I don't care if Leo Varadkar wanted a sex sex change to become Leona Varadkar.

I mean I don't care what you are, it just seems to make it a bigger deal than being heterosexual. Why do we need to know the sexuality of someone we don't personally know?

I will think no different of him, but do we need people in the public eye to tell us if they are heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, intergender or transgender or whatever you are having yourself?

Some may say this helps acceptance, but on the other hand it is making being homosexual a bigger deal than being heterosexual, and surely one wants everyone to be treated with respect whatever they are.

The sceptic in me says, he is coming out now due to the same sex marriage referendum. When in reality it shouldn't make any difference to voters what sexual orientation he is.

If he campaigned for a yes vote and then came out you'd have people saying he was dishonest for not declaring a vested interest and if he could do that for the SSM referendum he could lie about other things.

Dirty Dingus McGee · 18-01-2015 11:46am

yipeeeee wrote: »

Imagine you had the courage to come out to your friends and family and their response is, great but get on with your job, That's more important to us.

Roll eyes.

The general public are not his family so frankly it would be normal for the people of this country to care less about his sexuality than his ability to do the job he was elected to do.

Fukuyama · 18-01-2015 11:47am

mad muffin wrote: »

Please. It's ireland. Not Russia. Now if he came out in Russia. That would be a brave and bold move, to be applauded.

Here. Not so much.

Nobody has said he was a super brave revolutionary like. I wouldn't have even bothered to comment on this thread if it wasn't for people such as yourself gong out of their way to piss all over what is a small "feel good" new story.

This time tomorrow it'll be business as usual for the politicians and media. It's not a big story. I'm just trying to understand what motivates people to 'cross the street' just to say you don't care.

He also had to go on record somewhere and say he was gay because he plans to be involved in the SSM campaign. It's not like it was a big secret but it would have been the first line of questioning directed at him. So might as well get it out of the way and focus on the wider issue of SSM - it doesn't seem like he wants the limelight for it considering he's kept it under wraps so long.

An openly gay minister is a good thing IMO - particularly as his sexuality had zero impact on him getting to where he is. It's a good sign of things to come and he's a good role model for many young gay teenagers/men who have a huge suicide and self-harm tendency in this country.

If you don't care why comment on it?

RobertKK · 18-01-2015 11:47am

DeanAustin wrote: »

If he campaigned for a yes vote and then came out you'd have people saying he was dishonest for not declaring a vested interest and if he could do that for the SSM referendum he could lie about other things.

The government and all the parties are campaigning for a yes vote, they all have a vested interest in this anyway.

Leinsterblue · 18-01-2015 11:48am

I wonder will we ever see a president of Ireland come out or admit to being gay.... I hope that Mr Varadkar is happier personally now that he has disclosed his sexuality but please get stuck into the hospital trolley disaster. Congrats leo

DeanAustin · 18-01-2015 11:48am

RobertKK wrote: »

The government and all the parties are campaigning for a yes vote, they all have a vested interest in this anyway.

Do explain...

smcgiff · 18-01-2015 11:49am

paddydriver wrote: »

Simon Coveney is loving this.. nothing in his way to the top now.

I'd be very happy to have either of these two represent us as the leaders of our country.

Wang King · 18-01-2015 11:49am

paddydriver wrote: »

Simon Coveney is loving this.. nothing in his way to the top now.

Barring the fact I have never seen a more incompetent public speaker in quite some time.

DeanAustin · 18-01-2015 11:51am

Wang King wrote: »

Barring the fact I have never seen a more incompetent public speaker in quite some time.

Didn't stop Enda...

DeanAustin · 18-01-2015 11:51am

Wang King wrote: »

Barring the fact I have never seen a more incompetent public speaker in quite some time.

Or Bertie now I think of it...

Fukuyama · 18-01-2015 11:52am

RobertKK wrote: »

I'm fed of people 'coming out'. Tell family and friends if you want, but I don't care if Leo Varadkar wanted a sex change to become Leona Varadkar.

I mean I don't care what you are, it just seems to make it a bigger deal than being heterosexual. Why do we need to know the sexuality of someone we don't personally know?

I will think no different of him, but do we need people in the public eye to tell us if they are heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, intergender or transgender or whatever you are having yourself?

Some may say this helps acceptance, but on the other hand it is making being homosexual a bigger deal than being heterosexual, and surely one wants everyone to be treated with respect whatever they are.

The sceptic in me says, he is coming out now due to the same sex marriage referendum. When in reality it shouldn't make any difference to voters what sexual orientation he is.

It's not a "bigger deal" but it's an issue that's still present in modern day Ireland. I'm a straight man and I'm often around to hear homophobic comments about people, because they assume it won't bother me or I won't take issue with it.

The gay 'scene' needs to grow up and realise it's not special or taboo any more. I agree with you there. However a politician coming out in a very low-key way ahead of a SSM referendum is the right thing to do IMO.

It's not like he knocked on your front door wearing drag with a pride flag cape and demanded to take him there, under the disco ball. :rolleyes:

Dirty Dingus McGee wrote: »

The general public are not his family so frankly it would be normal for the people of this country to care less about his sexuality than his ability to do the job he was elected to do.

A lot of people will see his sexuality as an issue for them. The "church voters" in particular.

jank · 18-01-2015 11:52am

Jawgap wrote: »

His populist stances, his complete absence of an original idea, his utter reliance on briefing notes and speaking points etc

This is tosh.

Leo may be some things, but an intellectual lightweight and populists he ain't. He has ejected a realism into the health portfolio that has been lacking or the past 20 years. He has not come out with grand plans, quick cures to systematic and chronic failures in the Irish health system that some would love to sell. In fact his no nonsense, ultra pragmatic, the 'lets get the trains running on time' mantra to his brief actually shows up most of the other ministers and the Irish civil service and politics for what it is.

That is why he enjoys who much support across so many demographics.

RobertKK · 18-01-2015 11:52am

DeanAustin wrote: »

Do explain...

If you are campaigning for something as all the political parties will be, then they all have a vested interest in the vote going the way they want it to go.
If we got a No vote for example, it would show a rejection of all the political parties giving they are pushing for a yes vote.
Then there would be talk of political parties being out of touch with the people.
The heterosexual TDs pushing for a yes vote have a vested interest in the referendum being passed, just as much as the homosexual ones do, for political reasons.

Leinsterblue · 18-01-2015 11:53am

DeanAustin wrote: »

Or Bertie now I think of it...

Be great if an irish politician would come out as being competent

BMJD · 18-01-2015 11:54am

paddydriver wrote: »

Simon Coveney is loving this.. nothing in his way to the top now.

being an absolute ****ebag is still in his way

Jawgap · 18-01-2015 11:55am

DeanAustin wrote: »

Can't say I agree with that at all. Any interview I've heard from him he hasn't been afraid to call it as he sees it. For instance, in health he hasnt promised the sun, moon and stars which would have been populist.

He's also one of the strongest TDs when being interviewed for me so hardly reliant on notes.

It's easy to say what you are not going to do - his whole stance in health has to do with Enda's attempt to hamstring him by giving him that portfolio, and avoiding the trap 'Angola' represents.

As I said earlier, as Minister he's exceptionally well placed to pilot new legislation to begin the process of proper health service reform - where is it?

He's articulate, there's no doubt about that and intelligent, but he always swims with the flow - he likes to see which way people are running before getting in yo lead them.

DeanAustin · 18-01-2015 11:57am

RobertKK wrote: »

If you are campaigning for something as all the political parties will be, then they all have a vested interest in the vote going the way they want it to go.
If we got a No vote for example, it would show a rejection of all the political parties giving they are pushing for a yes vote.
Then there would be talk of political parties being out of touch with the people.
The heterosexual TDs pushing for a yes vote have a vested interest in the referendum being passed, just as much as the homosexual ones do, for political reasons.

Even allowing for what youre saying to be correct, can you see the difference between that sort of professional, in the public view vested interest and what could be leveled at Leo if he didn't come out?

Fukuyama · 18-01-2015 11:58am

Vradkars only personal vested interest is the fact that the result of the SSM referendum would effect him personally.

A black person campaigning for equal rights in 1950s USA didn't have to declare their vested interest because it was obvious to everyone but the blind. A gay person does.

The political "vested interests" mentioned above is just called politics. And nobody is going to vote along party lines or use their vote as a revenge tactic for an SSM referendum. It's a 100% social issue.

Bootros Bootros · 18-01-2015 12:03pm

Jawgap wrote: »

It's easy to say what you are not going to do - his whole stance in health has to do with Enda's attempt to hamstring him by giving him that portfolio, and avoiding the trap 'Angola' represents.

As I said earlier, as Minister he's exceptionally well placed to pilot new legislation to begin the process of proper health service reform - where is it?

He's articulate, there's no doubt about that and intelligent, but he always swims with the flow - he likes to see which way people are running before getting in yo lead them.

Any attempt at reform will be blocked or cost vastly more money as unions kick off

18-01-2015 12:04pm

AgileMyth wrote: »

Never understood the notion of coming out.

What business is it of anyone else? Nobody ever comes out as straight.

Least of all the politicians.

DeanAustin · 18-01-2015 12:05pm

Jawgap wrote: »

It's easy to say what you are not going to do - his whole stance in health has to do with Enda's attempt to hamstring him by giving him that portfolio, and avoiding the trap 'Angola' represents.

As I said earlier, as Minister he's exceptionally well placed to pilot new legislation to begin the process of proper health service reform - where is it?

He's articulate, there's no doubt about that and intelligent, but he always swims with the flow - he likes to see which way people are running before getting in yo lead them.

He's in the job six months.

He has to deal with a service that's badly underfunded (didnt the budget last year have a glaring 660 million deficit?), has been historically the most problematic government department and is riddled with an inefficient culture.

Give him a chance ffs.

Jawgap · 18-01-2015 12:05pm

jank wrote: »

This is tosh.

Leo may be some things, but an intellectual lightweight and populists he ain't. He has ejected a realism into the health portfolio that has been lacking or the past 20 years. He has not come out with grand plans, quick cures to systematic and chronic failures in the Irish health system that some would love to sell. In fact his no nonsense, ultra pragmatic, the 'lets get the trains running on time' mantra to his brief actually shows up most of the other ministers and the Irish civil service and politics for what it is.

That is why he enjoys who much support across so many demographics.

This is serious nonsense - everyone knows the problems the HSE and DoH has and everyone knows the solution. Regionalisation is the way forward but you'd never hear Leo or any other minister of health suggest it because as soon as you start shutting down those inefficient units in every poky town there's a backlash.

He's effectively not doing anything to remedy any issue in the health services - meaning he avoids controversy.

His other great trick is to throw out a 'social' issue knowing it'll create a kerfuffle and distract from other issues.

Saying that, it's not like he's unique - it's the FG way - get people talking about social issues (the whole Constitutional Convention was designed to whip this up) and they'll ignore other policy areas. A successful strategy until IW spectacularly exploded in their faces.

vienne86 · 18-01-2015 12:08pm

I just read this - I have alwyas held him in high regard, but I really respect him for coming out. Good guy.

volchitsa · 18-01-2015 12:09pm

Wibbs wrote: »

Fair play to him and the fact he can come out on the national airwaves shows how far we've come as a culture and in a remarkably short time too. Something like this would be an alien concept in the 1970's, even 80's and 90's.

This.

I had no idea (but I don't follow these things avidly!) - I actually thought he was married with kids, no idea where I got that from now....

Anyway, I hope it doesn't harm his career, but I'm included to think we've come so far in our mindsets these last couple of decades that it quite possibly won't. There'll be a bit of talk for a while and then (I hope) it will become old news.

Which is how it should be.

It will be interesting to see anyway.

efb · 18-01-2015 12:11pm

@UnaMullally: You can't underestimate the importance and impact of someone as high profile as Leo Varadkar coming out. Visibility is incredibly powerful.

Jawgap · 18-01-2015 12:11pm

Bootros Bootros wrote: »

Any attempt at reform will be blocked or cost vastly more money as unions kick off

Yes, interest groups are a problem, but look at the structure of the HSE, it's governance, it's scrutiny arrangements - they are all things the minister can influence directly and in turn they can impact patient care.

Leo's a doctor - he knows small units provide less than optimal care, but he's also a politician and he knows advocating shutting small local units is political suicide - as with is colleagues he takes the line of political expediency instead of doing what's right.

DeanAustin wrote: »

He's in the job six months.

He has to deal with a service that's badly underfunded (didnt the budget last year have a glaring 660 million deficit?), has been historically the most problematic government department and is riddled with an inefficient culture.

Give him a chance ffs.

Six months? He's a doctor, he's a local politician, he sits at cabinet - I'm sure he had some idea of the problems in Health and some ideas about how to fix them - instead he's focused on trying to frustrate the attempt to damage him politically.

RobertKK · 18-01-2015 12:12pm

DeanAustin wrote: »

Even allowing for what youre saying to be correct, can you see the difference between that sort of professional, in the public view vested interest and what could be leveled at Leo if he didn't come out?

No, I mean it is government policy. He values his ministerial job too much for starters and would have always supported it whatever sexual orientation he is.

DeanAustin · 18-01-2015 12:14pm

Jawgap wrote: »

Yes, interest groups are a problem, but look at the structure of the HSE, it's governance, it's scrutiny arrangements - they are all things the minister can influence directly and in turn they can impact patient care.

Leo's a doctor - he knows small units provide less than optimal care, but he's also a politician and he knows advocating shutting small local units is political suicide - as with is colleagues he takes the line of political expediency instead of doing what's right.

Six months? He's a doctor, he's a local politician, he sits at cabinet - I'm sure he had some idea of the problems in Health and some ideas about how to fix them - instead he's focused on trying to frustrate the attempt to damage him politically.

Maybe you won't want to tell me on here but I'll ask anyway - what do you work at?

jank · 18-01-2015 12:14pm

Jawgap wrote: »

This is serious nonsense - everyone knows the problems the HSE and DoH has and everyone knows the solution. Regionalisation is the way forward but you'd never hear Leo or any other minister of health suggest it because as soon as you start shutting down those inefficient units in every poky town there's a backlash.

He's effectively not doing anything to remedy any issue in the health services - meaning he avoids controversy.

His other great trick is to throw out a 'social' issue knowing it'll create a kerfuffle and distract from other issues.

Saying that, it's not like he's unique - it's the FG way - get people talking about social issues (the whole Constitutional Convention was designed to whip this up) and they'll ignore other policy areas. A successful strategy until IW spectacularly exploded in their faces.

Everyone knows the solution to health.....yet Leo is 'populist'. You are not a taxi driver are you? Is health not a social issue?

Leo Varadkar comes out as gay

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