Ireland's governing Fine Gael party has elected Leo Varadkar as its new leader, choosing the gay, 38-year-old son of an Indian immigrant to succeed Enda Kenny as prime minister in a striking sign of the country's rapid social change.

Bar an unexpected development, Mr Varadkar will be voted in as prime minister when Parliament next sits on June 13. (At Right: Mr. Leo Varadkar)

He will then become the Catholic country's first openly gay premier and the youngest person ever to hold the office.

"If my election shows anything, it is that prejudice has no hold in this republic.

"I know when my father traveled 5,000 miles to build a new home in Ireland, I doubt that he ever dreamed that one day his son would grow up to be its leader and despite his differences, his son would be judged by his actions not his identity. Every proud parent in Ireland today can dream big dreams for their children." (For full article and photos, Click Here.)