Ireland’s first openly gay prime minister wants to return to his learned profession one day a week during the Corona crisis in order to do his part for the overburdened health system. Both his partner and his entire family are also involved in the medical sector.

Leo Varadkar (41) made history when he came out as the first prime minister in 2015 during the debate on marriage equality in Ireland. Prior to his political career, Varadkar studied medicine until 2003 and then worked as a hospital doctor for seven years – until he received his licence as a general practitioner in 2010. His partner is also a doctor: Matthew Barrett currently works as a cardiologist in Chicago.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister’s office announced that he had already rejoined the Irish medical register in March, from which he had been removed in 2013 – when he left the profession to become a politician. Also in March, Health Secretary Simon Harris launched a recruitment drive for medical staff in training or retirement to relieve the pressure on the health system under attack.

Leo Varadkar (left) and his partner Matthew Barrett (right) with Donald and Melania Trump

Varadkar is now setting a positive example. However, apart from political reasons for his decision, one might presume private ones: Not only is his partner a doctor, but so is Varadkar’s father – and his mother is a nurse. According to the Irish Times, all his sisters and their husbands also work in the health sector.

As his office said, Varadkar wants to offer his services in all tasks that are within his field of activity. The Irish Times reports that he is currently helping to provide medical care and advice people who fear they have been exposed to the virus via phone helpline.

1125 cases of infection with the Corona virus have been confirmed in Ireland and the rate has risen sharply in recent days. Six people have already died from the virus. The situation is escalating, and today Varadkar announced that strict measures will be taken. All schools and many stores must remain closed until further notice.

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