Victory for equality

IN just a few words in yesterday’s Irish Examiner, Jerry Buttimer contributed significantly to the opening out of Irish politics and society.

Mr Buttimer became Fine Gael’s first TD to come out, saying: “I am a TD who just happens to be gay — it is one little composition of the story that is me, and I will continue to be the politician I was yesterday.” In talking about being gay, he spoke of hoping a time would come when being lesbian or gay would be unremarkable. We salute Mr Buttimer’s leadership in bringing that day much nearer. His openness will be an inspiration to many young gay people and will be warmly welcomed by lesbian and gay people throughout Ireland.

He was speaking in the context of a major initiative, the launch of a group within Fine Gael which is aimed at promoting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality. It is a tribute to Mr Buttimer, and to the openness of the party, that he and the group have got the strong support of Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Cabinet ministers.