Paul Mc Dermott - Elle magazine (01/01)

Paul McDermott : The comic, singer and author of 'The Forgetting of Wisdom' reveals his animal instincts with a love of Milo and Otis, plus an enduring fascination for all things Shetland.

Q. What is your greatest fear?

Honesty

Q. Who inspires you?

John Howard has inspired me to revolution.

Q. If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?

A second liver.

Q. What motivates you?

The desire to return to sleep.

Q. What is you favourite book?

'Modern Methods of Amputation', The Philosophical Society of America, 1945 (translated from Portugese).

Q. What is the greatest myth about fame?

That any good can come of it.

Q. Who would you least like to sit next to on a long flight?

Myself (I've heard all of my Shetland pony stories before).

Q. What do you admire most about women?

I object to gender-specific questions and consider attributing particular characteristics to women offensive. That being said : cooking, cleaning and child-bearing.

Q. Your most treasured possession?

My bone saw.

Q. What is your first thought in the morning?

What's the use of getting up?

Q. How would you spend your last $100?

On a merry descent into hell.

Q. How would you most like to be remembered?

As a Shetland pony at a country fair.

Q. Where is your favourite place?

Anywhere away from Mr Monster.

Q. Any regrets?

Prior to this questionnaire, none.

Q. What is the most romantic film ever made?

'Milo and Otis' seminal classic and Pasolini's peverse epic 'Salo' watched simultaneously.