Buttimer reveals positive response since coming out
Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has said he has received an extremely positive reaction from people since coming out.
The 45-year-old admitted publicly that he is gay just a few months ago, saying he wanted to show leadership and highlight the issue of gay rights.
The Cork TD explains how his actions have had an effect on others.
Mr Buttimer said: "One particular evening I had a phone call from a Fine Gael Party member, his remarks were 'I used to watch you on Oireacteas Report, you were in the Seanad as a Fine Gael spokesperson and I used to enjoy you. Then I read in the papers that you were gay and it can't be that bad. I have a son who is gay.'
"A couple of days later the son rang me to tell me his father had rang him to come home and that was the first conversation they had in a protracted period of time."
