Paddy Dunning: I know Michael Jackson was not a Paedophile

In the new issue of Hot Press, Paddy Dunning, one of Ireland's most successful music industry entrepreneurs talks to Jackie Hayden about going from being a binboy to jamming with Michael Jackson.

In a detailed and revealing interview, Dunning also reveals his plans to build a seven-story giant beside Loch Ennell in Co. Westmeath.

"I'm building a giant the size of the Statue of Liberty in Lilliput on the shores of Loch Ennell in Westmeath," he says. "You can walk up through him. It'll be made of wood and stained glass and copper."

It's something that would have probably pleased the King of Pop, who Dunning says got a raw deal from the media:

"It was a privilege to have him and to get to know him. He was just a normal person. I know he's not a paedophile. He's been vilified unbelievably. My kids were in contact with him and his kids. I had no worries on that score whatsoever."

You can read more of Dunning's thoughts on Jackson and the Irish music industry in the new issue of Hot Press, out today, 9 September. To buy a copy of the current issue, please click here