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THIS MORNING, FORMER Fianna Fáil minister Pat Carey spoke out about his sexuality on RTÉ Radio One, saying he never had the “courage or confidence” to do it before.
Speaking to Sean O’Rourke, the 67-year-old said that hearing Leo Varadkar’s radio interview last month inspired him to take the plunge.
I said that if I got the opportunity – I said it to myself, I didn’t say it to anybody else – that maybe my perspective might be helpful to other people of my age.
Many people are tweeting their support for Carey – here are just a few of the reactions to his announcement.
Joan O'Sullivan / TwitterReally touching to hear a public figure of that generation talk about finally feeling confident enough to say "I'm gay." #Patcarey
— Joan O'Sullivan (@JoanStories) February 13, 2015
Karen Mulreid / TwitterFair play to Pat Carey. Not easy for someone of his generation I'd imagine. #yestolove
— Karen Mulreid (@beatingblog) February 13, 2015
Suzy Byrne / TwitterFar too early in the day to be snivelling. Thanks Pat Carey :) #TodaySor
— Suzy Byrne (@suzybie) February 13, 2015
Donnacha Maguire / TwitterAh damn, Pat Carey has made me snivel in the office. Fair Play #MarRef
— Donnacha Maguire (@DonnachaMaguire) February 13, 2015
Anna Carey / TwitterThe Pat Carey interview on @TodaySOR is making me cry. V glad he finally feels comfortable talking about this publicly.
— Anna Carey (@urchinette) February 13, 2015
Seán Glennon / TwitterFair play to Pat Carey for coming out, it's clear we've always had LGBT politicians but sadly they are only now able to be open about it
— Seán 尚恩 (@SGlennonB) February 13, 2015
Colm O'Gorman / TwitterSobering to remember that for more than two thirds of Pat Carey's life, he was criminalised because of who he loved. #YestoLove #MarRef
— Colm O'Gorman (@Colmogorman) February 13, 2015
Michael Caul / TwitterPat Carey - decent skin. Some talker - two stations simultaneously @PatKennyNT @TodaySOR
— Mick Caul (@caulmick) February 13, 2015
Claire Brock / TwitterPat Carey is juggling two interviews at the same time #TodaySOR #PatKennyNT
— Claire Brock (@ClaireBrockTV) February 13, 2015
You can listen to Carey’s full interview here.
Originally published on DailyEdge.ie
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I dealt with Pat when we were attempting to set up a special needs class in a school in his constituency. Brilliant to deal with and he gave real practical help (you know the kind you actually need). I couldn’t speak highly enough about the man. I understand his reasons for coming out but Pat doesn’t have to explain himself to anyone. Decent guy, I wish him well.
That’s a rubbish statement Andrew. Carey spoke about his personal life today don’t get confused he sat around the cabinet table that made decisions that now effect you every time you get paid . Thank Pat and his cohort for USC . Pat Rabbite was dead right to tell him he should have been ashamed of himself and what his political career contributed to, nothing to do with what he does in his own time/life.
Sound eneough fellow
I don’t think it is a ‘rubbish statement’. I think you have here two old men who, at one point were locked in ‘combat’. But look at both of them now. Don’t you find it worth reflecting on their respective fates for a few moments?
No
Well done to Pat Carey.
An interesting tale of two polticians. Look at Pat Carey now. And look at Pat Rabbitte.
Ok here goes …… I’M STRAIGHT! Straight as an arrow, they call me Tony the straight guy. and I make no apologies to anyone for being straight. Now I’ve done it. No turning back now …
Now you just have to come to terms with the fact that you’re an arse
But a straight one.
I’d be less concerned about sexuality and more concerned about personality if I was you
Seriously why should anybody care???
I’m delighted that a man of his generation (not too far behind), can now feel comfortable about his sexuality…hopefully soon this will not be an issue of any significance, and I will deffo be voting in favour of same sex marriage…just a little tired of it all at the mo.
Hi everybody.
Is it OK for straight guys to post stuff here ? I hope so.
Here goes……..
I’m straight and have been for like forever and I’m voting NO.
All the Best,
Straight Joe.
Oh God. They’re all gay!
14 rather patronising reactions!
Well bully for him he has certainly got the sympathy vote all right, he is in a very lucky position that he will never have to talk to his children on Skype every week or look at pictures of his grandchildren growing up in some other country. For me he is the same as all of our members of Dáil Éireann over the past 20 years on every side of the house, lowlife and corrupt worse than any drug dealers. He was part of a corrupt outfit that have destroyed the future of many citizens of this country. I wish him well in the future but I also wish that he and the rest of his party members stayed at the job they were trained for, It would a big step forward for the people of this country if their elected representatives had some training in polities and not teachers, hurlers, footballers and tax dodgers.
erm… Ok.
All of our members of Dail Eireann for the past 20 years are worse than drug dealers?
You are stunningly stupid. How long have you been against democracy?
Pat,
You have more fans now than you ever had as a politician, and you were one very popular and much loved TD and Minister in your time.
You’d be a shoe-in in your constituency next time around! Happy birthday!
You would vote for this guy now cos he is gay. That’s a bit narrow minded considering he voted yes to drive this country into it’s worst recession ever. Nobody should ever vote for this person gay or not cos of his past performances.
Fair play to him – he grew up in a different generation – I have no political affiliation but you can’t tar everybody with the same brush as regards the recession
Where’s the fourteen reactions?
Wish him well for his future.
Big swing!
Come on, you’re not still blaming FF 100% for property / banking collapse!
It was just one player in a large team of cheerleaders for the wild party to keep on rolling. Anyone crying halt then was a party pooper, a spoilsport, a killjoy and anyway, wasn’t there going to be a soft landing. That was the thinking up to 2007 – the dreaded herd mentality and all that shyte. It is always hard to stop a stampeding herd!
Market forces, way too easy access to finance, poor quality banking regulation – both EU and Irish, were all contributors to crash of 2008, not any specific action or inaction of one political party.
Sure Governments are only passing through, on their five- year jaunt to next General Election.
The permanent Government – the Civil Service – no doubt has learnt the hard lessons, for no repeat performance in the future.
Yup still blame FF 100%. We were sold out for a few pensions and the current shower are continuing the trend.
It was a black swan event. Fg got voted in, promised to renege the Ff actions. Could not. Will not. SF promise the same thing. Can not. Will not. Books have to be balanced. This is not monopoly.
I’m becoming confused. Has Mr Carey got anything to do with Fifty Shades of Grey? Otherwise why would there be so many threads arising from a single interview?
What a great decision to share one’s feelings with the country and such warm and respectful comments. A great day for all as we move to a more inclusive and loving society. Met Pat at events in Dublin 9 a gentleman and a hard community worker, all the best for the future.
I always figured there was something more between him and Harvey Korman.
They say how you speak of others is a reflection of self.
Do you like yourself John?
have your say