Leo Varadkar wins: Ireland elects first openly gay Prime Minister

Ireland's governing party Fine Gael have elected Leo Varadkar as its new leader, meaning the once staunchly Catholic country will get its first openly gay premier and the youngest person ever to hold the office.


The 38-year-old son of an Indian immigrant will succeed Enda Kenny, 66, as prime minister in a striking generational and social change.

Mr Varadkar overcame ministerial colleague Simon Coveney as expected, winning an overwhelming majority of support among the center-right party's politicians.

He is expected to be voted in as prime minister when parliament next sits on 13 June.