Leo Varadkar comes out as gay

Jawgap

Bootros Bootros wrote: »

Again. He is not responsible for the day to day running of the hospitals. Until we can light a fire under the HSE's ass there is nothing that can fix the health service.

No, but he is responsible for the HSE and for holding them to account.

And if the right governance structures aren't in place, well he's a minister so well placed to change those structures.

As it is the inefficiency of the current arrangements suit as it makes sure the politicians can remain at arm's length.

mrsbyrne

Chancer3001 wrote: »

Fair play to him.

Unfortunately I think this may seriously harm his prospects of becoming Taoiseach one day

I wouldmy agree with that at all. Quite opposite in fact. What'll harm his chances is if he doesn't sort out our pitiful health services soon to at least a point where there are mot 600 patients on trolleys in January while he's topping up his tan someplace hot

efb

Delighted he piśsed all over Liveline

Wanderer2010

I question the timing. Why does he suddenly pick this time to announce something that most people really couldnt care less about? I wonder was he about to get "stung" by a scummy tabloid?? Either way, its his own business, cant see it stopping him being Taoiseach, times are changing rapidly.

Saipanne

mad muffin wrote: »

The unions? :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

I added a few more roll eyes to your post there.

efb

mrsbyrne wrote: »

I wouldmy agree with that at all. Quite opposite in fact. What'll harm his chances is if he doesn't sort out our pitiful health services soon to at least a point where there are mot 600 patients on trolleys in January while he's topping up his tan someplace hot

He is entitled to annual leave, and the trolley numbers have fallen drastically since

Jawgap

Bootros Bootros wrote: »

I love that honesty. He's right. The minister is health is like the chairman of a board who has little power because of trade union restraints. The HSE has a CEO.

Yes he is like a Chairman - but unlike a chairman he can change the rules.

Has he proposed a new Health Act?

padd b1975

At least he didn't feel the need to announce it via an attention seeking YouTube video..

Desolation Of Smug

You're Gay? That's grand, fair play for being open and honest. Moving on, any hope you'd start doing a better job of The Health Service? I'd say far more people care about that side of your Life Leo, than your sexuality. I know I do anyway.

realdanbreen

So by my reckoning, Fianna Fail is the only all straight party left in the Dail.

Richard tea

NEVER suspected it. Was this a kind of a known thing like an Xfactor judge or are most as surprised as I am?

efb

realdanbreen wrote: »

So by my reckoning, Fianna Fail is the only all straight party left in the Dail.

Isn't that ironic

Bootros Bootros

Jawgap wrote: »

No, but he is responsible for the HSE and for holding them to account.

And if the right governance structures aren't in place, well he's a minister so well placed to change those structures.

As it is the inefficiency of the current arrangements suit as it makes sure the politicians can remain at arm's length.

The minute any changes are contemplated people start blaming the changes for the "present state of the health service". And unions block real changes anyway.

The HSE has a CEO. The health minister isn't the chief executive. Changes should come from the HSE managerial board.

efb

Richard tea wrote: »

NEVER suspected it. Was this a kind of a known thing like an Xfactor judge or are most as surprised as I am?

Well known in the gay community

Wang King

realdanbreen wrote: »

So by my reckoning, Fianna Fail is the only all straight party left in the Dail.

Didn't realize there are was a gay Sinn Fein TD

mad muffin

Saipanne wrote: »

I added a few more roll eyes to your post there.

Not enough.

Here's some more.

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Jawgap

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

I question the timing. Why does he suddenly pick this time to announce something that most people really couldnt care less about? I wonder was he about to get "stung" by a scummy tabloid?? Either way, its his own business, cant see it stopping him being Taoiseach, times are changing rapidly.

He still has to hold a serious economic ministry - can't see him being Taoiseach until he's done that. And even then he'll have to get in ahead of Coveney

Into The Blue

efb wrote: »

Isn't that ironic

In what way?

efb

mrsbyrne wrote: »

I absolutely agree with this. My oen brother is nurse over 30 years and his wages are f**king outrageous for the amount of time off he has snd his attitude is disgraceful.

Are you calling your brother lazy? My sister is a nurse and I see the amount of work she faced in the hse

Deenie123

haha fair play to him. In seriousness, there are people still killing and harming themselves over stuff like this, so it's great that he's seen to have the courage to come out while a serving minister. I also think Enda's reported reaction is priceless. "Oh right well that's your business. Ever been to panti-bar?" Classic.


I actually think it's great to see people saying "Don't give a rats arse Leo, fix the fupping HSE!". 20 years ago it would have been scandalous - there'd be calls for him to step down. Now people are just annoyed that he hasn't yet fixed the (probably) un-fixable.

miamee

efb wrote: »

Well known in the gay community

And beyond. Though possibly just slightly beyond It wasn't a big secret anyway.

DeanAustin

Jawgap wrote: »

I'm not sure why he felt the need to air his private life, unless some rag of a paper was about to make an issue of it.

Still doesn't change my opinion of him as an popularity hungry, intellectually lightweight politician.

"Intellectually lightweight".

How did you arrive at that conclusion?

efb

Into The Blue wrote: »

In what way?

Straight as in not crooked

smcgiff

Wanderer2010 wrote: »

I question the timing. Why does he suddenly pick this time to announce something that most people really couldnt care less about? I wonder was he about to get "stung" by a scummy tabloid?? Either way, its his own business, cant see it stopping him being Taoiseach, times are changing rapidly.

Someone said it was mentioned in some Dublin magazine a few weeks back.

Amirani

"I am a gay man" Leo Varadkar tells @MiriamOCal ... And it's "no big deal". "I'd like to be an equal citizen in my own country".

force eleven

I'm sure the hundreds of people on trollies are delira and excira. I'm sure it's personally a revelation and a relief, but I don't care. Get on with cleaning up the health service disaster. I have no interest in the persons gender, race etc etc, just anyone who can get that job done. I don't think Leo can to be honest, though he has the best intentions.

DeanAustin

Deenie123 wrote: »

haha fair play to him. In seriousness, there are people still killing and harming themselves over stuff like this, so it's great that he's seen to have the courage to come out while a serving minister. I also think Enda's reported reaction is priceless. "Oh right well that's your business. Ever been to panti-bar?" Classic.


I actually think it's great to see people saying "Don't give a rats arse Leo, fix the fupping HSE!". 20 years ago it would have been scandalous - there'd be calls for him to step down. Now people are just annoyed that he hasn't yet fixed the (probably) un-fixable.

It's a bit of a worry that people think this one individual should fix the health service within 6 months.

yipeeeee

force eleven wrote: »

I'm sure the hundreds of people on trollies are delira and excira. I'm sure it's personally a revelation and a relief, but I don't care. Get on with cleaning up the health service disaster. I have no interest in the persons gender, race etc etc, just anyone who can get that job done. I don't think Leo can to be honest, though he has the best intentions.

He is entitled to have a life outside of work.

And if this helps him in his everyday life then fair play to him.

Annasopra

smcgiff wrote: »

Hardly outed, as has been said, it wasn't exactly secret.

No

He was outed.

Saipanne

DeanAustin wrote: »

It's a bit of a worry that people think this one individual should fix the health service within 6 months.

I know...

Amirani

Jawgap wrote: »

Yes he is like a Chairman - but unlike a chairman he can change the rules.

Has he proposed a new Health Act?

And what should the new Health Act do?

mad muffin

DeanAustin wrote: »

It's a bit of a worry that people think this one individual should fix the health service within 6 months.

No one is expecting him to fix it alone or even in six months. But what has he done?

Told anyone who would listen, not to expect much… and by the way. I'm gay.

Deenie123

DeanAustin wrote: »

It's a bit of a worry that people think this one individual should fix the health service within 6 months.

Yeah, but it's great that they're more concerned about that and don't give a flying one about him being gay. Priorities in the correct place

Maybe this marriage equality thing will pass.

cloud493

Awesome. Fair play to him.

mzungu

Fair play Leo.

padd b1975

miamee wrote: »

And beyond. Though possibly just slightly beyond It wasn't a big secret anyway.

Rumour has it there's another high ranking minister who's a "fan of musical theatre ".

Gmol

Could he be "cured" with another mass??

All joking aside it's nobodies business

yipeeeee

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.

Jawgap

DeanAustin wrote: »

"Intellectually lightweight".

How did you arrive at that conclusion?

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

Royal Legend

nobody's business really, suppose he is probably looking for the sympathy vote seeing as he is so sh1te at his job as Minister for Health, anything to deflect attention

padd b1975

Joeytheparrot wrote: »

No

He was outed.

Judging by the reaction, either no one reads Village or no one cares...

Probably a combination of both.

Fukuyama

Bit shocked at the "so what" attitude on here from some people. If a random B-List celebrity in Australia says something slightly controversial we're on here debating it for days. But if a serving Minister (and a well respected one) in our own country comes out publicly right before a SSM referendum, upon which the eyes of the world will be, we say "so what?".

I don't thunk Vradkar was expecting a tickertape parade full of "pride" to arrive outside Leinster House. But it must be nice to put to bed rumours and gossip however.

He's also a good role model IMO for straight and gay people. I've always thought he carried himself quite well. He's had a very good political career so far and dispelled many of the stereotypes of gay men (ie. the ultra-camp, super feminine).

And like it or not there are still many knuckle-draggers in this country who wouldn't want SSM or gay politicians. Homophobia isn't as acceptable as it once was but it bubbles beneath the surface in little snide comments behind peoples backs.

horgan_p

I already know plenty of gay people. Come back when you have super powers. Then it'll be newsworthy.

wow sierra

The truly wonderful Phil Chevron who wrote this wonderful song about his dream of being able to meet a man under Clery's Clock and kiss him in public, would be delighted with you all thinking it is so normal now.
I wish it was so easy in his time - or even as easy as some of ye hear are saying even now. RIP Philip.

Under Clery’s Clock

Burgh Quay at night
in this dark and stinking place
urges I can’t fight
with a boy without a face
strange as it seems
all I want is to embrace
by the street light
just like other lovers do without disgrace

Under Clery’s clock tonight at eight
I want to wait, oh god he’s late
he’s stood me up
the next bus to An Lár
is his for sure
ten minutes more I know
will bring my love to me
the love that does not have a name

Long lonely nights
just imagining his face
only in dreams
do I kiss him and embrace
cold morning light
he’s gone with only
shame to take his place
Under Clery’s Clock………

Under Clery’s Clock………

(Philip Chevron June 1957 – October 2013, Age 56)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkic_L9XSzk

mad muffin

Dean0088 wrote: »

Bit shocked at the "so what" attitude on here from some people. If a random B-List celebrity in Australia says something slightly controversial we're on here debating it for days. But if a serving Minister (and a well respected one) in our own country comes out publicly right before a SSM referendum, upon which the eyes of the world will be, we say "so what?".

I don't thunk Vradkar was expecting a tickertape parade full of "pride" to arrive outside Leinster House. But it must be nice to put to bed rumours and gossip however.

He's also a good role model IMO for straight and gay people. I've always thought he carried himself quite well. He's had a very good political career so far and dispelled many of the stereotypes of gay men (ie. the ultra-camp, super feminine).

And like it or not there are still many knuckle-draggers in this country who wouldn't want SSM or gay politicians. Homophobia isn't as acceptable as it once was but it bubbles beneath the surface in little snide comments behind peoples backs.

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.

Lambsbread

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.

DeanAustin

Jawgap wrote: »

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

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.

donedl1

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

DeanAustin

mad muffin wrote: »

No one is expecting him to fix it alone or even in six months. But what has he done?

Told anyone who would listen, not to expect much… and by the way. I'm gay.

What would you have expected from anyone in the first six months in that job?

Bootros Bootros

horgan_p wrote: »

I already know plenty of gay people. Come back when you have super powers. Then it'll be newsworthy.

Well he wasn't really thinking about you so much, maybe.