If a good deal can be struck, everyone can be a winner
What was your first-ever job?
A Saturday job working at a local TV and domestic appliances shop in Midleton, Co Cork, for £3 for the day.
How would your colleagues at Mevalco describe you?
As a hard-working, problem-solving person who makes things happen.
If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport that would give you a chance of winning a medal, what would it be?
My wife and I played the ‘Beat the Intro’ game over a few hours and found that I have a very strange talent for being able to name songs, artists and years of release before the lyrics begin. I am sure that I would give anyone a run for their money should this be an Olympic sport.
What is your song of choice at karaoke?
It’s a Long Way to the Top by AC/DC.
Who would be your four ideal dinner party guests?
The musician and songwriter Frank Turner, the Spanish food maestro with eight Michelin stars Martín Berasategui, the legendary Scottish ex-Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and His Holiness Pope Francis.
What would you cook them?
I would cook them foie gras, eel and apple terrine as a starter. For the main course, I would cook crubeens on a cabbage and onion puree. For pudding, it would have to be a rhubarb and amaretti pie.
What fad or trend would you like to see make a comeback?
Being kind to each other – it seems uncool these days, but why not?
If you were a superhero, what would you choose as your superpower?
The power to remember everything I ever read or learnt.
If time and money were no issue, what hobby would you most like to get into?
Golf. I have always been an enthusiastic golfer on the rare occasions I have had a chance to play. Perhaps with more time and practice, my enthusiasm might turn into something better!
What do you wish you knew more about?
Agriculture. I studied it for the leaving cert – the Irish equivalent of A-levels – and I wish that I had paid much more attention. I am fascinated by all that farmers have to do to ensure the quality of produce that gets into the food chain.
What would your perfect day involve?
A day with my wife and two boys at the beautiful beach of Isla Cristina in Huelva, Spain. There is nothing more relaxing.
When was the last time you changed your belief or opinion about something major?
About a year ago. I was concerned that Brexit was the doom of the nation. I am now convinced that if a good deal can be struck, everyone can be a winner and the UK will retain its status of respect throughout the world as fair-minded and principled.
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