In the new issue of Hot Press (out today, Thursday), colourful poll-topping TD Mick Wallace talks candidly and openly on a range of subjects.

First up, he claims that 80 Fine Gael and Labour TDs will pay no part in the parliamentary process:

“Fine Gael and Labour between them now have 113 seats… 80 of them surely will not speak, and will not play any part in the parliamentary process. They’ll be told when to come into the House, when to put their hand up and when to keep it down. And they’ll just be victims of the party system”.

He goes on to give his opinion on making marijuana and prostitution legal:
“Making hash legal is a no-brainer. There’s huge money to be picked up by the Revenue, by the taxpayers, by the tax system. It would be great if we tapped into it and we controlled the supply of it as well, to make sure it’s safer…

On prostition, he says, "[It] is legal in places like Germany and they’re checked for health issues on a weekly basis, and it comes under the authority of the health board. Obviously prostitution generally speaking today is a huge abuse of vulnerable people. But where would you say they’re being abused more, Ireland or Germany? I can guarantee you they’re being abused more here.”

Wallace also discusses the role of the US in South America, his thoughts on 9/11, why he wouldn’t accept sponsorship from Coca-Cola, his falling out with the Catholic Church, and the tragic death of his younger brother.

Read the full interview with Hot Press in our new issue (Killing Bono cover), out now.