Twitter in shock as Health Minister Leo Varadkar reveals he is 36

The Health Minister came out on RTÉ Radio 1 on Sunday morning.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar came out as a gay man in an interview with Miriam O'Callaghan on Sunday morning, on his 36th birthday. Varadkar was widely praised for his candour during the 45-minute broadcast, with a number of his fellow politicians and celebrities saluting his bravery in making the announcement. Twitter, meanwhile, was just as concerned with his age as with the bravery of his announcement about his private life.

Oh, and fair play Leo Varadkar, although the nicest thing is, it hardly seems to be causing any storm. — Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) January 18, 2015

Leo Varadkar announces that he is 36. This is truly shocking. — Mark O'Halloran (@markohalloran) January 18, 2015

Had no idea Leo Varadkar was gay until now. In fairness doesn't matter one bit but nicely done by him. — NiallHarbison (@NiallHarbison) January 18, 2015

"There's probably an LGBT person in every family or group of friends." Leo Varadkar tells it like it is. Huge respect to him. — Donal O'Keeffe (@Donal_OKeeffe) January 18, 2015

Wait,what-Leo Varadkar is only 36??How am I nearly the same age as this man?He's such a grown up,whereas I am...not. — Aedín (@miniandmum) January 18, 2015

More of a shock to me Leo Varadkar wants to learn a musical instrument than being gay, but it's great how chill he and everyone is being. — Paddy Duffy (@PaddyDuffy) January 18, 2015

I'm completely at odds with his Politics but fair play to Leo Varadkar for openly coming out. #Leadership — Micky Armstrong (@mickymobile) January 18, 2015

Leo Varadkar is 36. He has been a doctor for 8 years and a politician for 10 years. He wants to work with MSF. I feel so unaccomplished. — Charlotte McCarthy (@Charlotte_McC19) January 18, 2015