The Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has come out as being gay.

He's the first openly gay cabinet member and the fourth sitting TD to come out.

He says it's not a secret, doesn't define him and won't affect his policy decisions.

He said he had decided to disclose his sexuality within the last six months, but was wary that people would assume a political motive for his timing.

He also said he had only informed the Taoiseach this weekend but Enda Kenny said he was already ahead of him, as he had visited PantiBar in Dublin, which Leo Varadkar hasn't.

Leo Varadkar made the revelation on RTE Radio's "Miriam Meets":

The Minister for Health's decision to come out is being seen as a boost to the marriage equality campaign.

It comes as the group launched their crowd-funding campaign '#ShareTheLove in PantiBar in Dublin this afternoon.

A referendum on the issue will be held in May.

Speaking at the event, Fianna Fail Senator Averil Power says Leo Varadker's decision to come out was very brave: