Updated at 7.30am

DECEMBER IS HERE.

And the first of the office Christmas parties are taking place.

Members of Fine Gael LGBT were celebrating in style at Dublin’s Pantibar last night — the Capel Street venue owned by Rory O’Neill, aka. drag queen Panti Bliss.

Amongst the VIP guests — a certain well-known Taoiseach…

Whoops!

We couldn't find this Tweet

Chairman of the Oireachtas Health Committee Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael Deputy Leader James Reilly and a raft of other FG and Young Fine Gael members are also at the venue.

Buttimer set up the Fine Gael LGBT group back in 2012 — and said that when he explained to the Taoiseach that he was coming out, he had been heartened by Kenny’s reaction.

The symbolism of last night’s photo-op will be lost on no-one — Rory O’Neill was, of course, at the centre of the long-running ‘Pantigate’ saga earlier this year, which sparked a national conversation on homophobia.

A referendum on same-sex marriage is to be held in spring of next year.

And, though the Taoiseach’s refusal to state his own personal position on the issue caused some controversy in the summer of 2012, he has since said he will support it and will canvass for it.

In case you were wondering, Panti’s not there…

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

But she was tweeting about it.

First published 2 December

Read: RTÉ payout after Panti interview was ‘moronic’, says Graham Norton

Read: RTÉ stands by its account of Panti events, says Waters’ apology was ‘unacceptable’