Ireland’s wunderkind of broadcasting, chats to Maureen Corbett about life, work, romance and… body piercings
Are you a workaholic? I love what I do but I don’t overdo it, so I’m going to say ‘No’ to that question!
Which broadcasting medium gives you the greatest ‘buzz’? Well, they are two very different disciplines. Radio is like a calm breakfast with tea and toast, while television is like bungee jumping after five cans of Red Bull.
Do you agree with the common perception that the Dublin based media world is not always ‘in tune’ with life outside The Pale? It is a fairly common complaint and often a legitimate one, but I have always tried to buck that trend. We use non–Dublin voices as much as possible and this year we travelled around the country more than any other show on Radio 1. We try to do our best in that regard and we will definitely continue to do so on 2FM.
Will your new 2FM morning show aim to have the same ‘earthy’ tones as the Gerry Ryan show or be something completely new? The term ‘earthy’ is an interesting way of describing the tone of the Gerry Ryan show. Without giving away too much about my upcoming show, I can honestly say that the listeners will certainly experience a side to me that they have not heard before. It will be a more honest and direct approach to both interviews and opinion. All will be revealed later this summer, so tune in!
What is your opinion on the headshop debate? I have absolutely no interest in the debate about headshops. I had never even heard about them until all the media hype started.
Have you been bitten by the online social networking bug? Yes, afraid so. I love Twitter. It is perfect for someone who doesn’t have a heap of time but enjoys the random nature of the discussion points that emerge every day. It is also a useful forum for me to test public opinion before we do an item on the show.
Do you think that the state of the nation’s moral health is a cause for concern? The nation’s moral health is something that should be dealt with at the most local level possible, the home.
As a parent, what do you feel are the greatest challenges facing Irish parents today? I think the whole culture of buying children too much just for peace of mind has become the greatest challenge parents today have to face. There are so many things that children can and should enjoy for free, such as museums, libraries, parks, etc. Get out there and enjoy what we, as a nation, own.
Academic achievement aside, what were the highlights of your life as a student? I loved the social life at UCD. There was always some debate raging somewhere and a few pints added to the rubbish talked while propping up the bar.
What is your attitude to binge-drinking? Among other things, my Dad always taught me to do things in moderation. It is a valuable lesson; however, I have been known to forget it and to break the rules on occasion.
What would be your response if in the future your teenage daughter came to you asking for permission to get body piercings done? Three words every Irish father knows only too well, “Ask your mother!”
What is your favourite book of all time? Hmm-tough question! It veers from anything by Roald Dahl to Never Let Me Go (Ishiguro) and A Clockwork Orange (Burgess).
Who has been the most influential person in your life to date? Without a doubt, the most influential person in my professional life was the late Gerry Ryan. He was a dear friend and a great mentor.
If you were to compile a ‘Bucket List’ at this point in your life, what would it contain? At this stage of my life I am actually running out of things that I really want to do. My hopes and dreams for the future are focused on my daughters now.
If you wanted to make the ultimate romantic gesture what would it be? Ah now, that would be telling, but suffice to say that it would definitely involve a remote island off the coast of Clifden, a turf fire and yes, simple is good!
