Mad Hatter Q&A: Senator Frances Black

Who would be the last person you would invite to your birthday party?
Donald Trump

Who would be the first person you would invite to your birthday party?
My partner Brian.

Favourite saying?
Never give up, you never know how close you are!

Favourite record?
Mud Slide Slim – James Taylor

Favourite book?
Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden

Favourite film?
Shawshank Redemption

Favourite author or poet?
Seamus Heaney

Favourite actor/actress?
Judy Garland

Favourite musician?
Steve Cooney

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
Many years ago I did a TV interview, throughout which I called the presenter by another well-known presenter’s name. When I got home my husband pointed it out and I was absolutely mortified.

Favourite food/drink/stimulant?
Thai/Sparkling water/Coffee

TV programme?
Gogglebox

Favourite TV personality?
Des Cahill

Favourite item of clothing?
Black jeans

Most desirable date?
Will Smith (after my partner Brian of course)

Favourite method of relaxation?
Long walks on Rathlin Island with my lovely dog Charlo.

If you weren’t pursuing your present career, what other career might you have chosen?
I’m a singer, an addiction therapist and a politician. I’m still working at all three, which I love but I am looking forward to retiring in about 10 years time.

Biggest thrill?
My beautiful granddaughters Kitty and Winnie.

Biggest disappointment?
The Green Party going into Government.

Your concept of heaven?
Hanging out with my children, their partners and grandchildren on Rathlin Island.

Your concept of hell?
When I couldn’t see my grandchildren during lockdown.

What would be your dying words?
I did me best.

Greatest ambition?
To get the Occupied Territories Bill passed.

Period of history you’d most like to have lived in and why?
‘30s and ‘40s in Hollywood, I loved all the old movies.

If you weren’t a human being which animal would you have chosen to be?
An elephant because they are family-orientated, loyal and very determined.

If you were told that the world was ending tomorrow morning, how would you react/what would you do?
Have a party with family and friends.

Your nominee for the world’s best-dressed person?
My sister Mary

Favourite term of abuse?
I learned this from me ma! It’s an old Dublin saying! ‘Go fart up a plum tree.’

Biggest fear?
Swimming in the sea.

Humanity’s most useful invention?
Music

Humanity’s most useless invention?
Gaming consoles that promote violence.

• Frances Black is an Independent Senator, singer and founder of the RISE Foundation, a charitable organisation working with people with a loved one in addiction.