Jean Smullen
Director , Wine Event Ireland
Your favourite off-licence?
McCabes in Blackrock
How do you describe yourself?
Outgoing and very very talkative!
What's your favourite drink?
White wine especially New World sauvignon blanc from either New Zealand or Chile. I love the zesty citrus flavours
What's your favourite drink brand, outside of any brands you may represent, and why?
Champagne, reflecting the exuberence of life...with bubbles!
Should drink ads be limited/banned, why/why not?
No not banned. To raise the profile of your product with the consumer you need visibilty. The trade has successfully self-regulated on this issue; it is in no one's interest to breach the regulations
What piece of legislation would you introduce/change?
The new off-trade opening times introduced by the Government in July. The earlier closing time has impacted and affected the independent retailer
The best gift you ever received?
The gift of friendship
What possession could you not live without?
Coffee pot
What was your first job?
Washing dishes in a restaurant
What's the worst ad ever?
TV Licence Inspector on radio. The one with scenarios involving the Polish guys is particularly embarrassing and does RTE no favours, cringemaking!
What's your favourite drink ad at the moment?
Bulmers Cider. Absolutely brilliant!
Country & western or rock ‘n roll?
Rock n'Roll
Who is inspirational in the Irish trade?
Maureen O'Hara, marketing manager, Gilbeys Wines, best wine marketeer there is
What (if anything) was the last thing you bought on the Internet?
Airline tickets
What's your favourite food
Cheese and chocolate
Wine or beer?
Wine
What makes you laugh?
Smartarse remarks
Favourite insult?
Gobshite!
Who (out of anyone in the whole world alive or dead) would you most like to have drinks with?
Dorothy Parker