Gabriel Byrne continues to be one of Ireland's most successful acting exports; from his roles in The Usual Suspects to In Treatment, his place among the elite of Hollywood's talent is secure.
In the new issue of Hot Press, he sits down with Roe McDermott as his latest film, Louder Than Bombs hits the screen. And just as interesting as Joachim Trier's film are his views on sexism in Hollywood, the pantomime of the US Presidential election and, perhaps most notably, the fierce criticism he offers of Irish politics.
"The illusion that there's a difference between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and Labour is a joke," says the 65 year old Dubliner. "All of them are elitist, neoliberal parties who don't really have any power because they're being told what to do by corporations, the World Bank, and the IMF."
"These governments," he continues, "work for corporations, not the people."
And, at what should be a time of celebration, he says the failures are brought into even greater focus.
"It's an absolute disgrace that in 2016, the so-called Centenary of 2016, there are more homeless on the street than ever."
He also claims the portfolio of Minister of Arts and Culture is "a joke", while pointing to Michael Noonan bending the knee to Donald Trump as representative of "how craven we are".
For the remarkable full interview, pick up a copy of the new issue of Hot Press, on sale now.

You can Buy Hot Press 40-07 – our Prince Special Collectors' Issue – direct from hotpress.com

Or download the iOS app for iPad/iPhone
Or download the Android App