"I talked to everyone about the project: actors and extras, members of the crew and passers by."

"I went further and further back through the centuries to get a sense of perspective but now at least I understand why Irish history evokes such strong passions and emotions."

"There is an odd sense of responsibility attached to appearing in a drama about a real piece of history. A work of fiction is fun."

"Baddies always do get the best lines, that's the honest truth."

"I played it right because that's what you're supposed to do - play it right and with respect."

"I always used to say to my wife, the thing that I loved most about us is that we are a team, we are impenetrable in that respect."

"When I play with my cat, who knows whether she isn't amusing herself with me more than I am with her?"

"Together with a team of financial and legal experts I have spent months exploring all possible alternatives to bankruptcy but to no avail."