Tell us about yourself, and why you got involved with Northern Slant.

I’m a 23-year-old from Coleraine, now living in the South of England. I’m currently a senior athlete in the Great Britain rowing team whilst studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

I got involved with Northern Slant because I’m passionate about change in Northern Ireland. Lasting change will come from young people who are willing to come together from both sides. Northern Slant gives young people that platform, so I jumped at the chance to get involved.

 

Describe Northern Ireland in 5 words.

Tea, rain, diverse, beautiful, home.

 

What makes you proud to be from here?

What makes me proud to be from Northern Ireland is that we’re a community that spans beyond one Island. The Irish diaspora means that wherever you come across a fellow Irishman in the world, you almost immediately strike up a conversation. It’ll flow from using accents guessing what part of Ireland you’re from to sharing little anecdotes form your life. Its like we all have a connection that I don’t see in any other nationality. It’s special to be from here.

 

Are you hopeful for the future?

I think it would be a pretty sad state of affairs if a 23-year-old wasn’t hopeful for the future. I strive to see the light in any area of life.

Striving for a positive mindset is so important. We have the immense challenge in Northern Ireland to create a positive future for all. Some choose to remain steadfast and bitter; others choose to see it differently. Changing our perception and attitude in Northern Ireland is what’s required to take us forward and we’re all able to do it. Look at the peace process or Brexit. We often think these things are impossible, promoted by naysayers or those with political motivation to make it so. Nothing is impossible if the will is there, just ask yourself, “If we’re all afraid of losing, how can we ever win?” I know both will be a success.

 

If you could change one thing about Northern Ireland, what would it be?

Probably what dominates Northern Ireland politics, beyond the culture debate, is the border. If we can somehow settle and move on from this issue, we can get onto the real issues. Reforming education, fixing the health service, getting a proper business strategy to benefit from Brexit and infrastructure investment. These are the things people will actually appreciate in the long run.

 

Favourite NI celebrity?

Has to be Liam Neeson.

 

Politician you most admire, from outside Northern Ireland?

Hear me out, but it is Jacob Rees-Mogg. He’s caricature of the politicians of old. Buttressed by extraordinary privilege, an Etonian, staunch Conservative and holding some views not out of place in the 18th century. None of that i’m interested in, nor necessarily support.

No, what I admire is his extraordinary ability as a politician. He’s a man of remarkable certainty in what he believes in. He doesn’t waffle, because he never has to change his mind nor forced to defend something the doesn’t believe in. He speaks calmly, is courteous to his opponents (of which there are many) and is full of facts and information. If I ever decide to go into politics and am half the politician Rees-Mogg is, I will consider myself a success.

 

Favourite place to bring a visitor?

Has to be a trip down to Portrush to eat in the famous Ramore restaurants. Can’t beat it!

 

Potato bread or soda bread?

Potato bread. Granny’s Saturday fry ups as a kid are to thank for that.

 

Snow Patrol or Van Morrison?

Neither. David Guetta all the way.

Also published on Medium.