Mad Hatter Q+A: David McCullagh

Who would be the last person you would invite to your birthday party?
Any conspiracy theorist.

Who would be the first person you would invite to your birthday party?
My wife, Anne-Marie. Although as she’d probably have organised it, an invitation would be superfluous.

Favourite saying?
“Time is not elastic.” A constant refrain in our house, on people who seem to have other ideas.

Favourite record?
At the moment, Letter To You by Springsteen.

Favourite book?
Joe Lee’s Ireland 1912-85, a model of great writing, deep knowledge and forthright views.

Favourite film?
Some Like It Hot.

Favourite author?
Having just reread all of the Flashman books, I’m going to say George MacDonald Fraser.

Favourite actor/actress?
Patrick Stewart/Amy Poehler.

Favourite musician?
Bruce Springsteen. Though I’m not limited in my musical tastes, I like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
Being asked to fill out a questionnaire.

Favourite food/drink/stimulant?
Steak/stout/coffee.

TV programme?
Any version of Star Trek.

Favourite TV personality?
My comrade-in-arms on the 6.1, Caitríona Perry. Also, the news anchors on whom I model myself: Kent Brockman and Perd Hapley.

Favourite item of clothing?
A t-shirt with an Abraham Lincoln quote on it: “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.” I bought it in Gettysburg, so I’m choosing to believe it’s a genuine quote.

Most desirable date?
January 1st, 2021 – next year has to be better, right?

Favourite method of relaxation?
Swimming.

If you weren’t pursuing your present career, what other career might you have chosen?
Dog walker.

Biggest thrill?
Interviewing my musical hero, Bruce Springsteen.

Biggest disappointment?
Only getting a C in Leaving Cert History. Still rankles.

Your concept of heaven?
Dinner with the family on a terrace as the sun goes down after a glorious first day of our holidays.

Your concept of hell?
2020 on repeat.

What would be your dying words?
“What do you mean you don’t think I should eat another one?”

Greatest ambition?
Not to get found out.

Period of history you’d most like to have lived in and why?
Now – because I don’t know what happens next.

If you weren’t a human being which animal would you have chosen to be?
Our dog, Max – indulged beyond belief.

If you were told that the world was ending tomorrow morning, how would you react/what would you do?
Take out a loan to pay for a big party. Possibly on Kim K’s island.

Your nominee for the world’s best-dressed person?
Steven Van Zandt.

Favourite term of abuse?
Spanner.

Biggest fear?
Getting found out.

Humanity’s most useful invention?
The bicycle.

Humanity’s most useless invention?
Reality TV.

• David McCullagh’s De Valera Volume 1: Rise (1882–1932) and De Valera: Rule (1932-1975) are available in bookstores nationwide.