The Shape I’m In: Rory O'Neill

IT’S 10.30am and Rory O’Neill is struggling. He was up at 5am to catch a red eye to London for a 9am meeting. Adding insult to dawn flight, he only managed to get three-and-half hours sleep due to a performance the night before.

Known the length and breath of the country by his stage name, Panti Bliss, there isn’t a trace of the drag-queen diva when we talk. Regardless of the cruel early start, he patiently answers my questions over a poor telephone line, even managing to rise to the odd wry observation.

Working flat out in the run up to Christmas, he’s looking forward to heading west to celebrate the season of good will with his family. “I go down to Mayo to my parents. We have a very traditional family Christmas every year. I don’t like the whole build up to Christmas — the craziness around it — but I like Christmas Day.

“There is no pressure to do anything just hang out with your family— no one is going to call you for work stuff. It’s separated out from the rest of the year and you just eat and drink and watch TV, whatever you want to do.”

Born in 1968, he has a long track record as a defender of LGBT rights but gained international attention last year when, in the wake of PantiGate [the RTÉ row on homophobia], his ‘Noble Call’ speech at the Abbey Theatre about the oppression gay people face, was translated into 15 languages and went viral.

So does he feel that Ireland is a better place to live following our resounding yes vote in the same-sex marriage referendum?

“Yes, I think everyone in the gay community feels that. Like everybody else, I feel that we had this big discussion and the question has been answered. I, and all the other LGBT people, just feel more confident and surer of our place in the country.”

The Queen of Ireland’s Christmas Message airs on Christmas Day at 3pm on TV3

What shape are you in?

I’m in reasonable shape. I go to the gym where I do weights. I’m good sometimes. I keep the cardio for walking my dog Penny.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I always have a healthy breakfast — yoghurt and berries — every day no matter what time I get up at. If I had my way, I’d get up at 10am but I rarely have my way. And if I’m getting up at five I’ll get up a half hour earlier to make sure I have breakfast. I can’t leave the house without it.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

Oh god, yes. Milk chocolate — I’m quite dull. I have a lifelong battle with the cigarettes, I give them up and I restart again. At the moment, I’m back smoking a full pack a day.

What would keep you awake at night?

If I know I have to get up really early, I’m waking all the time.

Do you have any health concerns?

I’m HIV positive but that doesn’t concern me — I take tablets every morning — but my smoking concerns me.

How do you relax?

I walk the dog and smoke cigarettes.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Dolly Parton, Martina Navratilova and Angela Landsbury.

What’s your favourite smell?

Fresh bread.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I ‘d like smaller feet — I take a size 10, which is a pain in the ass.

When is the last time you cried?

This morning when I had to get up at 5am. I was working last night and I didn’t get to bed ‘til about 1.30am.

What traits do you least like in others?

Selfishness.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

Procrastination — I’m always late with deadlines and stretched at the last minute.

Do you pray?

I think it’s all wasted energy. If prayers worked, kids wouldn’t die from horrible diseases.

What would cheer up your day?

Getting back to bed.