'Cool uncle' - TD praised for secret gesture to family spotted on Dáil chamber footage

Social media users have dubbed Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State Christopher O'Sullivan a 'cool uncle' after the Cork politician honoured a Dáil TV promise to his nieces and nephew.

O'Sullivan, who was elected to the Dáil in 2020, is the current Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity. He represents the Cork South–West constituency.

Posting a side-by-side clip of him on Oireacthas TV footage and his sister's family's reaction, Minister O'Sullivan said: "Making an idiot of myself on TV just to entertain my sister’s kids. Well worth it though."

He was dared to make the 6-7 gesture to the camera as he passed the floor of the Dáil chamber and he didn't leave his delighted nieces and nephew disappointed. 

The footage shows him walking towards his seat in the chamber and raising his hands up and down in that 6-7 gesture we've all become very familiar with thanks to our younger generation. 

READ NEXT: Famous face 'out for a spin' discovers what is surely Ireland's worst road

People were quick to comment and praise the politician for the light-hearted moment. One wrote, "the anticipation on their faces is fab," with another proclaiming, "now you're the cool uncle."

Another follower joked: "Never seen a man so in tune with the young people, Christopher for Taoiseach."

A third admitted, like many of us, to only becoming familiar with the 6-7 slang trend at Christmas: "Fair play, I only was taught this Christmas morning after mass."

Someone else said, "you need a laugh in life...classic," while a final comment added, "well done...that's what matters most; family. Fair play to you."