With all these frequent trips you're taking, where is home really?

Home is Dublin definitely. I live there as much as possible.

Are you proud to be Irish?

Hmm... (munch, munch) Absolutely, you know. I still live there, my family lives there all the time and it is very important to me.

Is it hard for someone famous like you to be living in Dublin? Is life normal?

Yeah, it is. I can go home, drive my car, and walk the dog.

Coming from a boy band yourself, why did you say that "male pop groups' days are numbered?"

Erm, all bands' days are numbered. They can only last for so long regardless of who you are, Oasis or whoever. Unless you have the staying power of the Eagles or the Bee Gees, otherwise, all your days are numbered, you know.

What about Boyzone? We heard from Stephen that the group would be back.

Boy bands have a certain shelf life. And Boyzone have kind of grown out of the whole boy band thing. So we continued around longer than most people would. And we are still around today.

Tell us about your new album. It seems that you've collaborated with lots of people.

Yeah. My new album is simply entitled "Ronan." It has me working with many brilliant producers like Steve Mac, Pat Leonard, Bryan Adams, and Anders Baggy, Gregg Alexander. You know, I'm thrilled and all over the moon. It's fantastic. It's a pop album but it's got kind of rock values in there and a few love songs. But it's still a pop album you know, but with an edge.

How did you manage to get so many people to work on "Ronan?"

Well, Bryan Adams came to me and said, "Listen, I have this song for you. Do you want it?" So I listened to it and I loved it straightaway. I'm lucky because the guys are coming to me with the music rather than me chasing them.

So, are there any Irish elements inside?

There is one or two (elements) in there. It's not all overkill but there're a few.

Was it hard to work on your solo album, as compared to your previous experiences with Stephen and gang?

Yeah, it's very difficult 'coz you are always questioning yourself. Questioning whether it is the right thing to do, whether I am making the right decisions, the right sound, the right music... It's very hard as all eyes are on me. With Boyzone, you can kind of distribute the weight across five shoulders, but now it's all on my back, you know. It's quite heavy but I am enjoying it though.

With so many successful pop acts coming out of Ireland right now, can we declare that the "Irish Invasion" has arrived?

I think it has arrived right now. Yeah! It has taken over. It's really happening. From Samantha Mumba to Westlife to The Corrs to Boyzone and to me! And it all began with U2. It's really fantastic!

Most of the acts you named are managed by Louis Walsh...

No, it's just that Louis is the man! He's the pop man in Ireland so people want him to manage them since he's has done a good job with Boyzone. There're no other pop managers in Ireland.

Do you think it will last long?

I think we are going to be in your face for quite a while. Sorry about that! (Smiles)

You know, we heard that your choir teacher told you that you can't sing!

I was told to get out of choir! But I think it's more of like me kidding around rather than anything else. I was a bit of a waster there. I was a kid.

What would you like to tell your teacher now?

Yeah, you know, what can you do? I was just a kid then and maybe I'm really no way better.

How does it feel to be the world's oldest 23-year-old? You seem to have matured at an amazing rate!

No, I'm not the world's oldest 23-year-old anymore! You know, I'm 23 and I'm here to have a laugh and have some fun. For six years in the band, I was trying to prove to people that I wasn't a baby just because I am the youngest in the band. Now, I am married and have a child. I am here to be 23 and have a good time.

So, how does it feel being a father?

It's the most magical experience, you know. It's hard to explain to anyone who doesn't go through it... And it's wonderful. It keeps my feet on the ground and it's the one thing that puts a smile on me face anytime, any day.

Being a father, how do you juggle between your family and work?

It's very easy! They travel with me most of the time.

Oh! Are they here today?

Nope, sorry! They couldn't come on this trip. It's a bit far but it's only ten days. Otherwise, they come with me all the time.

We heard that Yvonne is expecting a second child. Do you prefer a son or a daughter? What about Jack and Rose for names?

Nah, we just want a healthy baby! Jack and Rose? Ha, ha! No!

Actually, what made you settle down so early?

I found the right person that I wanted to be with. You know, a person whom I want to have kids with, and I can grow old with them.

Do you wish that you had a different image?

I'm clean cut but I take a drink! And I do whatever the young guys do, you know. I had a beard and I shaved it off this morning. I'm not living by any image. I have my values and my priorities.

But you seemed to have changed your image now, wearing a leather jacket and all.

No, it's just that I don't have to fit in with four other people anymore. This is what I wear when I am me, you know. This is always been me. But when I am in a band, I got to wear a black suit to go with it. This is me and what you see is what you get.

You seem to be very into fashion. Have you thought of modelling?

Modelling? No way! Not for me!

But you have got a great, sexy body!

No! I do not! (bashful smile) Not me! Thanks anyway.

< Source : Sofia at [email protected]