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