Where will you be spending Christmas Day this year?
At home in Phibsborough with my family.
What do you like most about Christmas?
The fact that it’s one of the few times of the year where, as a politician, you can switch off for a couple of days.
What do you like least about Christmas?
The fact that it’s starting earlier and earlier each year.
What is your favourite Christmas movie?
A movie to watch at Christmas? That would be any of the Indiana Jones movies (except the last one, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny). A Christmas movie I have a sneaking regard for? Bad Santa.
Your favourite Christmas song (or piece of music)?
Donna and Blitzen by Badly Drawn Boy.
What Christmas song would you happily never hear again, and why?
Driving Home for Christmas, by Chris Rea. It just goes on and on.
Is religion an important aspect of Christmas for you?
Yes, it is. It adds to the sense of hope as we end one year and begin the next.
What’s on your Christmas wish list?
Always books and more books.
What kind of Christmas shopper are you – organised or last-minute?
Last minute, and I also depend on the much-valued co-operation of others.
Who’s on your naughty list?
I don’t have a naughty list; Christmas isn’t a time for such things. The naughty list is big enough in the run-up to a budget!
Christmas jumper and/or pyjamas – yes or no? And if yes, describe.
Yes to jumpers, they are a bit of fun. No to Christmas pyjamas. Apart from family, no one sees me in my PJs.
And finally, what do you really, really want for Christmas this year – peace, harmony and goodwill for all mankind or something completely self-indulgent like a big gold-wrapped pressie under the tree?
I would really love the world to have respite from wars this coming year.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Our In The News podcast is now published daily – Find the latest episode here
