The Script may have had many years of learning their craft and struggling before they became a massive pop concern, but they don't begrudge manufactured acts like One Direction their early success.

"They come along once every ten years those types of bands," says Danny O'Donoghue, "Spice Girls, New Kids On The Block – that do get a great run at it. Their A&Ring process is fantastic, they've got great songs for their market."

When asked whether the Dublin band, who were appearing at the launch of the Arthur Guinness Projects, would work with One Direction, Mark Sheehan said:

"We got asked this recently. It's not a 'no' from us to anything like that. We're just so busy that. I'd love to see them boys do really, really well. If we had a song for them, we'd definitely throw it their way. It wouldn't be a problem."

O'Donoghue calls Niall Horan's complaints about being stalked by fans "posh problems" but is eager to make the point that One Direction are hard-working.

"That's the misconception. I've seen their diary and it's a crazy, crazy diary. You just want and hope that they have people around them that are teaching them about the industry as they're going through the industry. You leave kids up to the industry on their own, it's a very scary, lonely place. But if you have a guided hand to bring you along the way, I think fair balls to them."

Mark Sheehan: "They're young boys. Anyone who's propelled, just thrust into this industry... there should be almost a service there for people. If you're going to do that, you have to go to this place first..."

Musicians anonymous?

"Ego anonymous, " laughs drummer Glen Power.

"I think it would really help them guide their careers a bit better," continues Sheehan. "Help them eventually gain a little bit more control over their own business and once they learn a little bit about it, manage themselves so they don't just burn themselves out.

T"hen having such a distaste for the industry all because of their experience. It would be nice to think they can look forward and know they'll have a very long career if they just look after it and take care of themselves."

"I've met Niall before," Danny concludes. "He seems like a really grounded dude. Great family as well. If he's controlling one-fifth of what it is, hopefully it might lead on to the rest of them."

For more with The Script, pick up the next issue of Hot Press, on sale this Thursday (July 4).