Fine Gael’s first openly gay TD, Jerry Buttimer, was roundly congratulated after announcing his engagement in the Seanad earlier this week.

Buttimer, who came out in 2015 and was an active campaigner in the quest for marriage equality, was congratulated by his colleagues after news of his engagement to partner Conchobar Ó Laoghaire was announced by Fianna Fáil Seanad leader Catherine Ardagh in the Seanad on Tuesday, July 4.

“I want to wish you every happiness on your important announcement today” leas–Cathaoirleach and Kerry Senator Paul Coghlan told Buttimer.

And Jerry’s Seanad colleagues were not the only ones to express their best wishes – constituents, friends and fans were quick to hop on social media to congratulate we’ve collected some of the best tweets congratulating the Cork native. Congrats, Jerry and Conchobar!

Labour Party senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin offered “heartiest congratulations” to Buttimer for his engagement to a “Labour canvasser”. “Your [sic] not so bad yourself,” responded Buttimer.

Heartiest congratulations to @jerrybuttimer on his engagement to a @labour canvasser!!!

(Well done to one of Irish politics’ good guys) https://t.co/LggiZhk0Qs — Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (@AodhanORiordain) July 5, 2017

Gloria’s Dublin’s LGBT choir also offered their congratulations to the couple’s “shared happiness”

Congratulations @jerrybuttimer that’s wonderful news. Here’s to your shared happiness ?️‍??https://t.co/g431wxTTxb — Gloria Gay Choir (@Gloriadlgc) July 5, 2017

Unsurprisingly, Buttimer’s fellow LGBT Fine Gael members were also quick to congratulate the couple:

Our congratulations to Fine Gael LGBT Chair @jerrybuttimer on his engagement! ?️‍? https://t.co/Jz3MICNI4E — Fine Gael LGBT (@FineGaelLGBT) July 5, 2017

Cork woman Bríd Murphy chimed in, calling Buttimer and Ó Laoghaire “one of my favourite couples”.

This is very cute. Congrats @jerrybuttimer – you guys are one of my favourite couples…. #notgettingintotroubleagain https://t.co/flKNhKxDbQ — Bríd Murphy (@BridMurphy) July 5, 2017

The Victory Institute (an organisation which “works to achieve equality by developing outstanding LGBTQ leaders in government, politics and advocacy in the US and beyond”) also congratulated Buttimer. “See you in December for the stag,” he replied.

Sending our biggest congratulations to our friend @jerrybuttimer on his engagement! https://t.co/uE6ilypAhT — Victory Institute (@VictoryInst) July 5, 2017

The Cork senator appeared truly touched following the numerous messages of support.

“It’s a wonderful feeling,” Buttimer wrote of the positive response to his engagement on Twitter. “Can’t describe the emotion on the outpouring of affirmation and congrats.”