Mary Minihan, political correspondent, NewsTalk 106
Rides: Vespa ET2 50
Why this particular scooter? It was chosen for me - it's a work vehicle.
Why were you drawn to two rather than four wheels? I wouldn't consider driving a car around Dublin. It would be too frustrating. It can take my friends who drive over an hour to get home from town when the weather and traffic are bad. For me, it's never more than 10 minutes.
How did you find getting started on two wheels? Did you have any help or advice? I was very nervous at first, and found the scooter heavy and awkward. But I got some good training sessions and advice from professionals and haven't looked back. I know it sounds girly, but I also had to change the way I dress. Skirts don't really work with a scooter. . .
Did you take any rider training course before you took to your scooter? I applied to Dublin City Council's scooter training programme back in March. They seem to have been beset by problems with insurance and stolen bikes and, disappointingly, the course still hasn't got off the ground.
Would you ever consider buying a motorbike and becoming a biker? No, there's too much to think about with a motorbike. Bikers tell me their vehicles are more "interesting" with the gear changes and all that, but I'd rather keep things as simple as possible. I also fear I'd be tempted to go too fast!
Was there any family resistance or objections to your riding a scooter? Of course they worry a lot. But I think they secretly think it's kind of cool too.
Motorcycle fatalities are on the increase; do you worry about your survival as a scooterist? I think about it every day. It would be stupid not to.
What do you use your scooter for? Commuting and nipping between press conferences and doorsteps. It's ideal for my line of work, and there's plenty of room for your stuff. You don't have to worry about parking. Every reporter should have one!
Have you ever had an accident on the bike? A few mini ones when I started. Enough to make me very careful but not afraid to get back in the saddle. The first time I took the bike into the Dáil I crashed it into the wall, which was embarrassing. . .
Have you taken any trips abroad on two wheels? No, but there's an idea. . .
What you do think is the bond that links bikers and scooterists closer than motorists? Vulnerability. Bikers are the only road users who don't give you hassle - they're just quality people!
What, if any, has been your worst experience with motorists? I don't think they're bad people. Some of them simply just don't seem to see two-wheeled vehicles. Maybe it's our fault for not making ourselves visible enough. Sometimes when I'm a passenger in a car and all you can see of a scooter or bike is a tiny light up ahead and I think, "Is that really all they can see of precious little me?" It's sobering.
Are there any issues you think the Minister for Transport should address for bikers? Seamus Brennan does a good job of putting the heebie-jeebies up us by constantly saying motorcyclists represent 20 per cent of road deaths despite accounting for just two per cent of road users. That's scary and we need to hear it. But I'd love it if he introduced some kind of initiative to make motorists more aware of bikes on the road.
If you won the lottery what would be your dream bike? A silver version of this one.