Friday's Child: Paul Hughes

Aged 27, and a former pupil of St Oliver Plunkett PS, Strathfoyle and St Brecan’s School, Trench Road, Paul was an Independent candidate in the 2014 council elections,

He works with Enagh Youth Forum and has been involved in campaigning against incineration and proposed library cuts, and has lobbied for play provision, a zero waste policy and a health impact study.

How would you describe yourself?

An ordinary working class man who is passionate about people, communities and the environment.

Happiest childhood memory?

Learning to catch a fish.

What was your first job?

Labourer.

Favourite book?

‘The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist’ by Robert Tressell.

Favourite film?

‘Land and Freedom’.

Favourite television programme?

‘Human Planet’.

Favourite expression?

‘Be the change you want to see’.

Favourite method of relaxation?

Walking with my dog Biko.

Favourite holiday destination?

Would love to visit Cuba and Iceland!

Who would you most like to meet?

I’ve already met them - Eamonn McCann and Bernadette McAliskey. Would love to have met James Connolly and Jim Larkin.

What makes you angry?

Injustice.

What makes you happy?

When people stand up for what they believe in.

What human quality do you most admire?

Passion.

What human quality do you least admire?

People not being true to themselves.

What has been the most embarrassing thing to happen to you?

Writing this!

What was the worst thing to happen to you in your life?

Still waiting for it to happen.

What is your greatest fear?

That there will be no radical voice in Stormont after the election to ‘fight back’ against cuts and austerity.

What has been the high point of your life to date?

Standing in the 2014 local council elections and coming close to getting elected to give voice to local people.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who helped make a difference.

What is your most treasured possession?

My integrity.

If you won the lotto what would you do with it?

Help make poverty history.

If you could be granted one wish in life, what would you ask for?

An end to the global arms industry.

If you could write your own epitaph what would it be?

‘Deeds not words’.