Charlie Bird Journalist

Where did you go to school?

I went to so many schools it would take a whole page to name them all, but to give a flavour. . . Dundrum National School, Dublin, St Mary's National School, Stillorgan, Dublin and Sandymount High School (secondary), also in Dublin

What was your best subject?

None, but if there was one it would have been English.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

Mr Kelly, because he was honest enough to tell me I was hopeless at maths and to not bother doing it as a subject in the Leaving Certificate.

Who was your childhood idol?

Elvis.

Who was your best friend and why?

I didn't have one. Maybe Tony Heffernan, who lived across the road from me. There was also a girl with curly hair - but I don't want to say any more.

What is he/she doing now?

The girl with the curly hair. . . I haven't got a clue where she is now (she was a great kisser). As for Tony Heffernan. He's now a senior figure with the Labour Party in Dáil Éireann.

What TV show/film most reminds you of your schooldays?

The Lone Ranger and Tonto.

What song most reminds you of your schooldays?

Little Red Rooster by Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones.

What food most reminds you of your schooldays?

Egg and chips with tomato sauce.

Who did you take to your debs?

We didn't have debs in my day.

Would you send your children to the same school you went to?

Yes.

What was the best thing about your education?

Surviving it and ending up in RTÉ despite failing my Leaving Cert.

What was the worst thing about your education?

The corporal punishment. . . being hit on the knuckles with a ruler.