Poet and musician Gerard McLaughlin, who lives in the Malone area, produces works which he describes as ‘not poetry but more a case of experiences, feelings and life’. Gerard recently joined celebrated poet Hans Magnus Enzensberger at an event marking the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic.
I was born in Port Cluain Eoghain, Co Aontroim
I grew up in the same place
I now live in Malone Ridge
I was educated at St Mary’s PS, Belfast Central Library and Department of Printmaking, Bradford College of Art
My earliest memory is when I was aged three and my kid brother being born
When I was a child I wanted to be the Pope
I actually became I grew up
Worst job I’ve ever had - Low Moor Chemical Works, West Riding
Best job I’ve ever had - LDF Builders, Cheapest Place in Town, Ormeau Road
The bravest thing I've ever done - writing this
The stupidest thing I've ever done - writing this
The biggest thing I've yet to do is write the book of an opera
The person who inspired me most is Paul Klee’s ‘The Thinking Eye’
The most important thing in the world is gravity
I'm very bad at smoking
I'm very good at a lot of things
I'm most proud of my son Pablo
My best friend would say I say nothing
I like to relax by eading and radio
My favourite quote is ‘we need no stinking badges’
The last book I read was ‘Samuel Pepys Diaries’
My favourite movie is The Third Man
The actor that would play me in a movie of my life would be Helena Boham Carter
The song that makes me dance is any reggae
The song I would have played at my funeral would be Yuk!
The best place I've ever been le d’Ouessant
The place I have to visit before I die is the toilet
The last person I talked to on the phone was A journalist looking for German poet Hans Magnus Enzensberger
The last text message I received was from ‘you have four new phone messages’
If I was a politician I would resign
If I won the lottery I would I do, frequently.
If I could describe myself in five words they would be catch yourself on old man
If I could invite five people (living or dead) to a dinner party they would be Emma Goldmann, Chicago Police Chief Capt O’Neill, Mae West, Freddie Frinton and Miss Sophie
If I could change one thing about South Belfast it would be for the better
My favourite thing about South Belfast is Lagan Cycle Path