“They’re always talking up the arts, but there’s really a lot of “silver spoonism” in it. The disadvantaged get ignored all the time. For a change, I’d like to see our public servants do something substantial for the public, instead of their short-term gestures and window-dressing. I’d like to see them setting up permanent spaces for people, especially in disadvantaged areas, where people could study arts, film, music. There are hundreds of talented new Brendan Behans out there but they’re stifled by the indifference they see from their leaders and the lack of proper facilities. There’s a hunger for real creativity among the people and the government should be nurturing that. But what they do has to be sustained. There’s no point in them setting up something in a half-baked way. On a lighter note, where I live the place is littered with posters for Enda Kenny and Gerry Adams. I’d like to see their poster people do the same for me next time I’m doing a gig!”