Ciaran Cuffe of the Green Party
Current job: Green Party TD for Dún Laoghaire
What schools did you go to? Children's House Montessori School in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, and Gonzaga College, Ranelagh, Dublin.
Best subject? Geography Worst subject? Latin - those verbs.
What's the boldest thing you ever did in school?
Questioned authority on a daily basis.
Who was your favourite teacher and why?
Marlyn Bimstein - an American from Seattle who taught us English, and gave us haiku poetry to write for homework.
Who was the object of your first crush?
Ahhh, those Alex girls What was your earliest career ambition? Acting
Were you cool or nerdy at school? My nickname was Caveman, say no more.
Did you go to college?
I studied arts briefly at the University of Maine in the US; architecture at University College Dublin; a fascinating and enjoyable year on a postgraduate scholarship at the University of Venice courtesy of the Italian Government; and a Master's in planning back at UCD.
What song most reminds you of your schooldays?
A Message For You Rudi by the Specials.
What would you look for when choosing a school for your own children?
Co-educational, non-denominational, Irish-speaking and a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Were your schooldays the best days of your life?
No, I was too eager to explore the world beyond the school-gates, and I remember the excitement of heading off on an inter-rail ticket the summer I sat my Leaving in 1981.
