On the Asian crisisPeople are still ignoring the knock-on effects in Asia. Operating in Asia myself, I see the downturn in travel, the natural desire to save one's money, the substantially reduced spending power and flow of money in all those economies.

Global culture and Planet Hollywood: This global village thing has happened. . . the company's belief is that music, sport and movies transcend all international barriers, and that there isn't a global household that those three mediums don't touch in some form or other.

On the company's rapid growth: The numbers I delivered were not good last quarter. My personal view is that I had my eye a little off the ball, and that we were concentrating on expansion as opposed to looking after the day-to-day. This year we chose to consolidate, to grow slowly. it would fair to say to say that they are a reflection of all the new up and coming ones."

On Dublin: You have a great city. . . I feel that you are an absolutely hot city at the moment; everyone wants to do business with you.

On Irish politics: I'm a big fan of Bertie's

I've met him several times. . . I haven't given him any money he hasn't asked me!