How do you travel to and from work?

In our rural part of north Co Dublin we are not on a train, DART or bus route. The distance to work is just over 11 miles, so walking is not an option. Maybe I could cycle with the laptop on the carrier but I choose to drive. When I was still a teacher in Rolestown in the 1970s and 1980s I would regularly walk the two miles to school. It was more pleasant then, with fewer cars on the road and for those people who can do so safely, I really would recommend the walk to school this week.*

Keep an eye out for the emerging conkers, the gathering swallows and the sounds of the environment. There is a world beyond the windscreen.

How long does it take (to get there, to get home)?

I normally leave home before 7.30 and arrive in the INTO Parnell Square office about 26/27 minutes later. That is only about seven minutes longer than it took 10 years ago, which is the great advantage of living in the beautiful and deeply unpopular north county. Long may it continue. Don't dream of joining us.

At what time do you leave home? At what time do you arrive back home?

Oh come on! When the daily and nightly duties of trade unionism and politics are discharged.

Do you travel the same route every day?

Yes, through St Margaret's, on the airport back road.

What do you enjoy about your commute?

Observing the changing seasons and the turn of the year. Currently the beginning of autumnal colour especially on beech trees is something to anticipate. And the certain knowledge that it's going to be an exciting day.

What bothers you most about your commute?

Daily evidence that the driving test does not require drivers to show competence at overtaking. The new illogical, irresponsible and unnecessary 30 mph limit on the Finglas dual-carriageway by-pass.

Would you change your mode of transport if you could?

Talk to me when I can afford a helicopter, or alternatively I would travel by boat.

How could your journey be improved?

Work out my fantasy commute from my previous answer.

* Today is the last day of Dublin Corporation's Walk to School Week.

In conversation with Sylvia Thompson