Sylvia Thompsontalks to five people about their new year's resolutions
Senator David Norris
ONE OF my resolutions for 2009 is to tell the truth and shame the devil. When you shoot from the foot, it's very refreshing. Another resolution I really have to work on is to say no to things and to absolutely refuse to do any work on Sundays.
I've failed in this one before and have weakened and yielded to invitations but next year I want to say no and no again. Everyone needs to get a break.
It is ghastly how people can colonise you and if you agree to do things, you are a willing victim and can be exploited and abused.
I will continue to enjoy good food. I was brought up to eat everything on my plate so I will try to be more discriminating in terms of content and amount. In terms of exercise, I walk a lot and I intend to do more walking next year.
I have a house in Cyprus and when I'm there, I go for three-hour walks and swim a lot. I used to cycle but it's far too dangerous to cycle in Dublin now.
Writer Joseph O'Connorwhose novel Redemption Falls (Vintage) has been nominated for the 2009 Impac Award
I SPENT much of the second half of 2008 in a state of neurotic self-delusion, telling myself over and over again, in the face of mounting evidence, that the Government knew what they were doing and that there existed a plan to get us out of the economic mess.
So my main resolution has to do with emotional health. I am going to stop crazily imagining that Ireland's current politicians might one day get up off their butts and offer some leadership. I'm simply going to accept that they either can't or won't, and I'm going to get up earlier and work harder and eat less.
Having given up cigarettes, I'm now addicted to Nicorette chewing gum, so I'm going to try to give up that. What else? Oh yes. I watched very little reality television in 2008 and I'm going to watch none at all in 2009.
And my midlife crisis will be kicking in around May or June, so I'm looking forward to getting that tattoo I always wanted as a teenager.
Anne Cassin, presenter of Capital D and CrimeCall on RTÉ television
I DON'T really do new year's resolutions because they are just another thing to do or to feel bad about not doing. But I do take stock at the end of each year and sweep out the bad and bring in the new. This year has been a great year for me personally and professionally but there are lessons to be learned.
Next year, I would like to manage my stress a bit better. And I will try to walk more - say about half an hour three times a week.
I don't want to join a gym because that would involve driving somewhere and having to wear the gear.
And, I don't want to walk with other people because that would involve more arrangements.
If I manage to walk out of my house and around the block and home again in half an hour three times a week, that would be an achievement.
That might not sound like a lot but I've a very full life involved with my family and a job on top of that so my aspirations over the years have become more modest.
Susan McFadden, actor, currently starring in Christmas pantomime, Aladdin at the Olympia Theatre
I ALWAYS say that I'll go to the gym more and be healthier but like everyone I falter at some point. It's hard to fit in exercise with my work but I do try to go to the gym three times a week.
I'm a bit of a chocoholic so next year, I'll try not to eat as much chocolate.
And, I already try to eat a portion of fruit and a portion of vegetables each day even though I know it's supposed to be five a day.
Another thing I want to do is to read more books. When I'm in the habit of reading, I love it but then I get lazy and fall out of the habit.
When I've shows at night time, I don't get to bed until about 2am and then I'm up at about 10am and then when I
go into rehearsals, I have to be up at 7am for a 9am start so I have to adjust my sleeping patterns. Reading at night time helps me sleep.
And finally, I'd like to be a bit more optimistic. My friends tell me that I'm pessimistic so next year, I want to chill out a bit more and enjoy what I'm doing.
Comedian Pat Shorttwhose new show, Pat Shortt in the Hall, tours countrywide from next month
I'VE HAD to increase my fitness levels for my new show so I had a personal trainer to help me with that. I've lapsed over the past month so I'd like to get back into it in the new year.
Next year, I would also like to walk more. I'd like to get up at 7am and go for a walk no matter what the weather's like. I gave up cigarettes about one and a half years ago but I developed asthma afterwards which has made me more aware of my health.
And as I get older, I realise the body needs a bit more attention too.
I eat fairly well as my wife is into healthy foods and juices for the children. In fact, she drives what seems like a military regime in terms of healthy eating.
I manage stress fairly well by delegating tasks in the office and setting up schedules so that I can hit targets week by week rather than having everything to do at the last minute.
However, there's one thing I'd really like to do more of next year and that's reading.
It's is a great way of relaxing because you have to slow down and keep pace with the book.