Want to find out more about the Northern Slant team? Every week we put 10 questions to our community of contributors – about them, their interests and hopes for Northern Ireland’s future. This week’s interviewee is Roger Greer. You can follow Roger on Twitter @Roger_Greer.

 

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

I work for a company in England, leading on public policy research for our NI, Ireland, Scotland and Wales teams. In a different life I worked for an MLA, but left for my current role following the 2016 Assembly election.

I had followed the site as an observer for a while; but got involved with Northern Slant through the Northern Roots feature, which seemed like a fun project running alongside the current affairs stuff. Since that I’ve done a few articles on politics and policy, and it’s been a real pleasure to get to know everyone involved with NS. The passion and dedication shown by those who lead the site, and the consistent stream of quality content produced by a wide range of contributors really is amazing. It’s a great community to be involved in.

 

2. Describe Northern Ireland in 5 words.

More united than we’re portrayed.

 

3. What makes you proud to be here?

Simply and honestly, the people. No matter where you go in the world, you’ll always meet someone from just up the road, and they’re always happy to share a pint and a chat. We have the driest, coldest sense of humour, and the warmest hearts.

 

4. Are you hopeful for the future?

For me? Yes. I’ve been really lucky, and have been given really good opportunities throughout my life. The current political impasse is a minor inconvenience for me, meaning that my workload reduces slightly (yet frustratingly) when government shuts down in NI. But for so many people in NI, the latest policy vacuum is causing real damage to their lives, and the effects will be felt long after an Executive is returned or when some form of direct rule is implemented. I’ll not even mention the B word.

 

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

In terms of policy – trust local government more. Give them more powers, and resource them properly so that they can manage much more than they currently do.

More generally – implement a de-Nolanification policy across public discourse.

 

6. Favourite NI celebrity? 

I’m not sure that I have one. No one celebrity can embody that epitome of Northern Irish spirit which can be found in a simple “yeoooo”.

 

7. Politician you most admire, from outside Northern Ireland? 

Disclaimer ***this is not an endorsement of any of his policies*** but you have to admire Michael Gove’s commitment to creative chaos, and his desire to take on essentially every interest group wherever he goes. I’m not sure it’s conducive to good politics or policy, but you have to admire the sheer audacity of it.

 

8. Favourite place to bring a visitor?

I try to do all the usual suspects, like Giants Causeway, Titanic Centre etc. Hidden gems include Cookstown and all it has to offer, and the Chubby Cherub: a tiny yet fantastic Italian restaurant in Belfast. I like Fermanagh too much to share with visitors, so keep it for myself.

9. Potato bread or soda bread?

Soda bread. But only just. I had a nasty experience at the end of our Duke of Ed expedition, where our only food on the last day was slightly blue-moulded soda and potato bread. I’m only getting back onto it now.

 

10. Snow Patrol or Van Morrison?

Snow patrol went to my uni (Dundee) so I like to tell people that I lived with them there before they got famous, which is an absolute lie. In truth, I’d take Van the man every day. “Days Like This” is one of my favourite songs.

Also published on Medium.