Fine Gael's Jerry Buttimer has described how the Taoiseach said "I'm still mad about you" when he revealed that he was gay.
Along with Labour's John Lyons, Jerry Buttimer is one of just two openly gay TDs in the Dáil.
Both men have made statements about their experiences of homophobia in the wake of the public debate over the Pantigate controversy.
Speaking to Matt Cooper on The Last Word on Today FM this evening, Jerry Buttimer recalled how he came out the Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
"He looked at me and he gave me a dig into the chest and he says 'you're still the same guy, I'm still mad about you, let's go do this'.
"He's a man in his mid 60s from the west of Ireland who may be uncomfortable and who may have gone on a big journey himself, and he has, he showed me great empathy and support and affirmation"
