Actor learns to roll with the punches

How much cash do you carry around in your wallet?

I usually have between £40 and £100 on me. If I can I try to pay cash for petrol or groceries, lunch or a pint. I don't have a cheque book but I have a laser card which I've only used once.

How careful are you with credit cards?

I've only ever incurred interest on my Visa card once in my life. I always pay the entire amount every month on the day that I receive the bill. I generally use the card for plane tickets, expensive meals and gifts.

Do you use Internet or telephone banking?

I am still one of the uninitiated when it comes to PCs; however, I do use telephone banking for paying bills, balance enquiries etc.

What, if anything, do you blow money on?

My biggest single payment in any year would be on income tax but that hardly counts as a luxury item. There is no single item that I blow money on but when there is less money in my pocket, activities such as weekends away, expensive eating out and regular taxis home have to go on hold.

Have you ever been stony broke?

Yes, many times. But a bit like a student there's always money for pints even when you're living on beans on toast.

Unfortunately unemployment is part of the job when you're an actor but in recent years I've been fortunate in getting some TV and film work which generally pays well and tides me over any lean periods.

What's the most you've ever earned for one job and what did you do with the money?

I was lucky to buy a house five years ago before things went crazy. I used the money I made from Braveheart to put down a substantial deposit and cover the other expenses involved.

Then with the money from my last series of Ballykissangel I cleared my mortgage. It's a priority for me to get that security because I don't know what future earning prospects are.

Have you ever worked for nothing? If so, why?

Yes, several times. Ideally actors should always be paid but it's always more satisfying to work on a project you believe in than to sit at home and wait for dole day. Especially at the start of my career, when there was no equally good work available, it was more important to gain experience and get exposure than to hold out for money.

Do you have any shares?

Yes and I must have the golden touch. Eircom and First Active are the only shares I've ever been tempted to buy. I got most of the First Active shares free and then bought some more.

Is saving a priority for you?

I'm not great at saving unless it's an emergency.

Do you have a pension plan?

Yes, I shopped around a little and decided on one last Christmas. It was important for me to have a flexible plan. I've only made one lump sum payment so far for the amount I was advised which was £2,000. Now I have to try to keep up that annual contribution.

Do you worry about money?

Yes. Not having money annoys me in the short term and worries me in the long term.

Do you think you have benefited from the Celtic Tiger?

No. The film boom started before the economy took off and the theatre scene hasn't expanded that much. Although people have more money to spend on entertainment, I'm not sure if they are going to the theatre in greater numbers.

How much money did you get for your First Communion and what did you spend it on?

I can't remember how much but I'm sure every penny went on sweets.