Billy Timmins is the Fine Gael spokesperson on Defence. First elected to the Dail in 1997, Billy is a full time public representative. Prior to this he was an army officer with the Irish Army, serving in Galway, Donegal and Kilkenny and he also spent time with the United Nations in the Lebanon and Cyprus. He holds a BA Degree in Economics and Legal Science and a Diploma in PR, marketing and advertising, both from University College Galway. Billy is also a member of the National Economic and Social Forum.

1. The Road Less Travelled is a really novel idea. When did the idea come to you and what is your own personal favourite place of the 13 locations in the book?
I decided to do something to mark Wicklow 400 at the beginning of the year. I am aware that there are many hidden places of beauty and interest in the county so in this booklet I hope to capture some of these. It’s very difficult to pick one spot as they all have different appeals however I do have a strong attachment to the Glenmalure - Glen of Imaal walk from my army days and Altamont Gardens is not to be missed. [Link to Press Release on the Road Less Travelled Book]

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2. Do you think the tourism marketing effort in County Wicklow is delivering the full potential of visitors to County Wicklow or is there more work to be done?
For historic reasons tourism in Wicklow is many years behind the Kerrys and Galways and much work needs to be done. There are some good people trying to get us there.

3. What issues in County Wicklow are of most concern to people you speak to at your clinics and out and about generally?
The main issues I encounter are planning, housing, roads, crime, health and social welfare issues. These continually arise at my clinics and they are the issues I encounter when I am out and about.

4. The phrase “the developers have the real power in Ireland” is being heard more on many a radio phone in show and in commentary sections of newspapers. Any element of truth in this do you think?
Certainly many developers try and have an input into policy that will be beneficial for their project, however there are many people and this includes politicians, who have an interest in developing the policy for the common good. Politicians should listen to all sides and opinions but base their input and decisions on what they believe is best for all concerned and this very often requires striking a balance. There are times when you feel so strongly about an issue that you have to go against the perceived general view. It is important to realise that the perceived view may not always be the one held by the majority and I have attended many public meetings where the view articulated from the floor differs greatly from that which I may hear afterwards.

5. My favourite way to relax and unwind is…..
Relaxation and politics are not easy bedfellows.

6. You are stranded on a desert island with 3 other deputies from Dail Eireann. Which 3 would make the best company and why?
Dick Roche – just in case any cannibals pass by and we need a sacrifice, Michael McDowell – because he will keep the flies away during the day and blow hot air on us on the cold nights, Mildred Fox – because she is great for coming up with answers to difficult question.

7. Wicklow, and the rest of the country, has changed more in the last 5 to 10 years than the previous 400. What are the most positive changes you see and what are the negative changes?
The most positive change is that people can gain employment and there are many opportunities in this country, which didn’t exist before. The increased pace of life has made us all that little bit greedier with less time for one another.

8. What do you think of the way the Gift Grub Team on Today FM portray Enda Kenny?
I’ve never heard it or even anyone who mention it.

9. If time travel was possible, pick a moment in Irish history you would like to have witnessed….
Michael Collins late arrival in Dublin Castle.

10. I would most like to be remembered for……
Giving a fellow politician to the cannibals p.s. I hope my colleague has a good sense of humour!