Me & My Money Ray Byrne, owner of Wineport Lodge, Glasson, Co Westmeath

Are you a saver or a spender? Definitely a spender. I don't think I have a bob saved!

Do you shop around for better value? Yes. I do like to get a "good deal". I'm always scouring the auction catalogues and the sale bargains in the designer clothing shops.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost? A share of a five-star Hotel in Malta – the Hotel Phoenicia. It cost several million, but we managed to sell it on last year and even made a few bob. I had to borrow for it, of course, so that was a bit risky in hindsight.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? Buying Wineport Lodge with my wife Jane in 1993. We've had a lot of good times together and been very lucky in business over the years. How do you prefer to shop – online or local? I'm happy with either – although online seems to be where the future is.

Do you haggle over prices? Only if I feel I'm being done. I have a good sense of these things and appreciate that the other party has to make money, too.

Otherwise if it looks like a fair deal, I’ll go with it.

Has the recession changed your spending habits? Hugely. I don't have the cash to flash around any more. Hopefully, we'll all get through the downturn together and we'll get back to enjoying ourselves again.

Do you invest in shares? No. I've never had much luck with them. I've dabbled a bit, but it seems a dull way to make money.

Cash or card? If I have the cash I'm happy to spend it. The card is a good fallback, so long as I don't max out too often.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? At an auction, I bought a few nice bits that were part of the contents of the Morrison Hotel. A nice bog oak chair and a Clea van der Grijn painting – they look great in Wineport.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase? No – buy it or borrow for it.

Have you ever lost money? Lots. Working and not getting paid for it. Business failure. Betting on a dead cert. I don't dwell on it.

Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win? I had a nice flutter on Shane Lowry to come in the top 10 in The Open and it came up trumps for me.

Is money important to you? No, but I do like to be able to get my hands on it when I need some. It's a useful tool and can help bring enjoyment to others.

How much money do you have on you now? €35 and a couple of credit cards that are burning a hole in my pocket.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea