What three words best describe you?

Bright, cheerful and chatty.

Who was your childhood hero and why?

Eddie Macken, Irish showjumper.

What was the first record/CD you bought?

You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry & the Pacemakers.

What is your favourite film?

The Sound of Music.

What is your pet hate?

People with a negative attitude.

What are you superstitious about?

I try to leave a building from the same entrance I entered it.

What is your least favourite word?

Upstanding, as used in the expression “please be upstanding”.

What would your last meal be?

Buckwheat blinis with smoked salmon, crème fraiche and caviar followed by surf and turf, ginger steamed pudding and cream with a cheese board and port to finish.

If you had one wish what would it be?

That everyone would slow down.

Is there a place in the world you would like to visit above all others?

The Galapagos Islands.

What do you wish you were good at?

Foreign languages and dressage.

If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be?

Elizabeth I.

Where would you go in a time machine?

19th century India to meet my ancestors who built the railways.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what luxury would you choose?

An Irish draught horse.

Tell us about a pet you own or would like to own.

Three gundogs.

What do you never leave home without?

My handbag - I tend to have large ones!

What is your party trick?

I do a mean version of Riverdance.

If you could take over someone’s job for the day, whose would you pick?

The Speaker of the House of Commons.

What is your proudest moment?

As only the 21st woman to achieve this, when I became the 753rd Mayor of Salisbury.

How did you meet your significant other?

I met my husband at a party in Belfast in 1974 while he was on operational duty.

What are you reading at the moment?

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

Is there someone well known you’ve met who really impressed you?

Max Hastings.

What sports team do you support?

Chelsea FC and Ireland Rugby Team.