A LIFE in the week - Kevin MacDermott

Job Title:
Public Relations Officer. My job entails daily interaction with the media and customers over a wide range of issues affecting ESB, always being on call and keeping abreast of developments within ESB and externally.

What do I like most about your job?
I enjoy the interaction with people, both ESB staff and the public. No two days are ever the same and I get a great kick out of the buzz when things are going well and the adrenalin when not.

If I wasn't in my current job, what would I be doing?
Probably still working in the broadcast media. My ego would like to be presenting the Late Late show but my dark side would hate the glare of publicity associated with the public ownership of your job.

If I had a choice of another career what would it be?
I would love to be a politician, it appeals to my interest in people and trying to make a difference for them. The instability associated with it would probably drive me out of my mind but no career is perfect.

What person has influenced you most?
My late brother Domhnall, he was a journalist in Derry at the time I began working in local radio and he broke many stories. I was pleased to bask in his reflected glory and get a few scraps from his table, his influence was very beneficial to me and his untimely death was a hard learned lesson to live for the here and now.

Personal ambition?
To outlive my career.

What is your favourite journey and why?
My commute on the train to and from work. I have built up a large network of friends and acquaintances over the years of travelling. The craic is good and we often have some very heated discussions on the journey in and out.

How do you chill out?
I relax by taking 20 out to relax in my hot tub in the back garden. It is 20 minutes where you can do nothing but relax and look at the night sky as the frost settles on the roof of the house.

Which four people, past or present, would you invite to dinner?
Fidel Castro, I have always admired his single mindedness. Bernadette (Devlin) McAlliskey, she has strong opinions on many issues and would be as good at starting a row as myself. Marilyn Monroe, just to find out what exactly went on with JFK and the exact circumstances of her death. Lazurus, I am curious as to how he eventually died.