Martin opts for flamboyant life in a frock over farming

A farmer is to swap his wellies and dungarees for stilettos and a flamboyant frock in a bid to build a better life.

Martin McGuinness, 48, has decided it’s time for Miss Scarlett Rose — his glamorous drag persona — to take centre stage.

Twelve years have passed since he left behind the bright lights of London and immersed himself in rural life back home in Meenarillagh, 5km outside the heritage town of Ardara, Co Donegal, following the death of his father, Frank.

“I was stuck in a rut. I’ve given farming my best shot since I came home from London, but now it’s time to concentrate on me and doing something that I’m good at. There’s no time for regrets,” he says.

“When this opportunity came knocking I decided to grab it with both hands. There’s no point saying that I hope that this and that might happen — I’m going to make it happen. You have to think big.”

Martin is one of three people who, with the help of success coach Judy May Murphy, are changing their lives. Their stories are being followed on the RTÉ Today show.

Martin McGuinness, 48, is giving up life as a farmer to perform on stage as Miss Scarlett Rose: ‘It’s time to concentrate on me and doing something that I’m good at.’

“I’ve spent more than 10 years being the best farmer I could possibly be. It’s a lot of work for very little reward although, if truth be told, it’s not my forte as I feel I’m much better when I’m creative. I had been going round in circles and felt that it was time to look after myself.”

On Wednesday, Miss Rose makes her first appearance at Space N’Veda, a weekly Wednesday show at The George in Dublin.

“I do weddings, birthday parties — all special occasions. People are always looking for something that’s a little different and Miss Rose certainly ticks all those boxes,” Martin says.

He’s also getting great feedback from his weekly Afternoon Delight show on local community radio station, Owenea FM. “It’s irreverent and quite fluffy — a bit like me. It’s a mix of classic tunes and a few light features,” he says.

Martin’s dream job, though, would be to host his own television chat show.

He already has a working title for the show, Frankly Scarlett, a name he used for a similar show he took around the UK gay community. He’s also looking for musicians to join Miss Scarlett.

“I’m 48 and I’ve still got it all ahead of me. I’m concentrating all my efforts on me — on earning a crust — and it’s nice to have the full support of the local community behind you,” he adds.

So where did the stage name Miss Scarlett Rose come from? “Originally I was supposed to be called Mitzi Martini but I didn’t like the name. I liked Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind and always found myself with Miss Scarlett in a game of Cluedo. Hence the name.

“She’s a bit more abrasive than me and probably more mannerly but it’s now time to take her out of the attic.”