Ireland elects first gay prime minister Leo Varadkar

[OnDoutside]

2. And further info here

https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/0614/882589-new_taoiseach/

Leo Varadkar has been elected the country's 14th Taoiseach in the Dáil by 57 votes to 50, with 45 abstentions.

He has travelled to Áras an Uachtaráin where President Michael D Higgins presented him with his Seal of Office.

As Ireland's youngest Taosieach, Mr Varadkar will return to the Dáil this evening to announce the members of his Government.

Mr Varadkar said he would approach the office of Taoiseach with a profound sense of humility and would focus on solutions.

In his first Dáil speech after being elected Taoiseach, Mr Varadkar paid tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging Enda Kenny's role in rebuilding the country.

Mr Varadkar also noted that Mr Kenny made it possible for him to be an equal citizen in his own country with the same-sex marriage referendum.

He said he has been elected to lead, but he plans to serve.

Mr Varadkar said politics is not perfect but that it is the best way to solve problems and build a better future.

Politics is a way to inspire people to be part of something bigger, he said, adding: "I believe in the power of politics".

Democracy, he said, is not just about diversity, but about proportionality.

The Taoiseach-elect said the equal right to speak must apply to ministers and backbenchers and not just to minority opposition parties.

He said the Government he will lead will be one of the European centre.