Not an Irish Affair, but

Honestly, the best part of being Irish, and I think this has helped me in life, is the "fuck you!" attitude.

I was, and still am, at a party across the street (came back for a drink). I was leaving the house and I heard two guys say something I thought was about me. I turned around in an instant, instinctively, fists clenched (funny cause I'm a pacifist), thinking, "bring it on mother fucker!"

I seriously think that is an Irish trait, the idea of, "I'm fighting for me and what I believe in, and I'm not scared about it!" It's an amazing genetic trait. My mother and sisters are like that.. no one ever fucked with them, cause they knew. My Dad is like that too, but he's just a crusty Scottish Canadian.

I still think it has made my life better, especially my career... having the balls and the fire.

And don't forget the Scots and Irish are from the same stock...

I say blessing and curse because it can cut both ways. There is an old song, "No Irish Need Apply," that illustrates the problem. The man goes for a job despite the NINA warning and beats up the man who ran the advert (a man who cries out in Irish during the fracas, I might add!). Sure, he gets a promise of no further NINA restrictions...but he doesn't get the job. It's also a trait that comes out more strongly after a bit of the drink has been taken.

I think the hard line some of the NI unionists take is part of the same trait, proving they are just as Irish as the nationalists (but deep in denial of that!)

and at 44 I still enjoy a good fight. I'll fight anyone, anywhere.