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THE SATURDAY INTERVIEW: MICHAEL LONGLEY:Beyond the benign persona of the domesticated poet is a voice of formidable commitment and determination who is prepared to battle for what he believes in, writes EILEEN BATTERSBY

THE MAN in the navy coat is looking furtively about him. His companion, an irritated-looking terrier-type dog intent on lifting a leg against the shiny red mailbox, is pulling against the frayed leash. The man wants to walk on; the dog wants to pee against the metal box. The same structure, “a pillar box”, had featured in poet Michael Longley’s elaborate directions. It is the landmark – find the red pillar box and you have found his house, just off the Lisburn Road, Belfast, in a calm, leafy suburb touched by a tentative hint of rain.