'I'm pretty risk-averse when it comes to money'

ME AND MY MONEY: GERALD NASH, TD Are you a saver or a spender?I'm a spender who has been saved! Running my own small business from 2007 to 2009 meant I had no option other than to be a saver and to be prudent and responsible with the limited resources I had at my disposal.

Do you shop around for better value?

Yes. It is incredible the value that can be achieved by taking the time to shop around. The situation is much more competitive now.

What has bee n your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?

I am in the process of attempting to buy a small house in Drogheda. I’m a first-time buyer who almost bought their first home on more occasions than I care to remember. In my case, I saved up for a deposit several times over, only for the money to go on one election campaign after another. My most extravagant purchase to date has been my current car, which cost around €20,000. Then again, it was a necessary purchase as my previous car gave up on me almost immediately after the general election.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

My car. The number of kilometres I tend to clock up in an average week is extraordinary.

Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?

No. Towns like Drogheda and Dundalk in particular have borne the brunt of the recession, and in recent years proximity to the North has compounded things for us in Louth. I am a great believer in shopping locally. Even in terms of renovating my new office in Drogheda, we sourced all tradespeople locally, and I do my best to source everything I need from the local area.

Do you haggle over prices?

I should do so on a more regular basis. My partner is a haggler par excellence and she invariably gets results.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

Without a doubt. It used to be the case that I would tend not to shop around if purchasing a TV, a music system and so on. I always shop around now because there are definitely bargains to be had.

Do you invest in shares?

No. I’m pretty risk-averse when it comes to money.

Cash or card?

I’m notoriously careful when it comes to credit. I had a credit card with a small limit and paid it off last year. I hate owing anything to anyone.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

Tickets for Morrissey in Vicar Street at the end of July. Good music and the company of friends always represents good value for money.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?I tend to save for holidays but haven't had what one might term a "big" holiday in several years.

Have you ever lost money?

No more than the average person. Put it like this: I didn’t have the misfortune of investing in Anglo Irish Bank shares.

Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?

The bookies rarely part me from my money, with the exception of the Grand National and the Irish Grand National.

Is money important to you?

Not at all. I have no ambition to be wealthy. Having enough to survive and lead a reasonably comfortable life is enough for me.

How much money do you have on you now?

€35