Bill Cullen promises to be sweeter than Sugar on Irish version of 'Apprentice'

ENTREPRENEUR BILL Cullen, who is to host the Irish version of hit TV series The Apprentice, has promised to be less grumpy than his UK counterpart.

"I will be doing things differently to Alan Sugar, who is rough and grumpy. I like to encourage and nourish people," Mr Cullen, who is chairman of the Glencullen Group, said yesterday.

Applications have opened for TV3's version of the reality television show, in which 14 hopefuls compete for a job with Mr Cullen.

"I said 'yes' straight away when I was asked. It's a privilege to do it. I never thought I'd see the series on this side of the pond," Mr Cullen said, adding that he was a fan of the series and was in the US when the original programme with billionaire businessman Donald Trump began in 2004.

Mr Cullen believes a slowdown could bring chances for Ireland's budding entrepreneurs. "When there's a downturn, that's when you see how good people can be. One man's problem is another man's opportunity," Mr Cullen said. "The tough times will be a test for youngsters after the Celtic Tiger breather."

He added that young people in Ireland are mollycoddled, but have a good education. Mr Cullen, who grew up in what the programme's promoters describe as "the inner city slums of Summerhill", left school at 13 to set up his own business. He later became owner and chairman of Renault Ireland.

He said that even the losing contestants, who will hear the well-worn catchphrase "You're fired!", could learn from their failure. He said he learned from the experience of being expelled from school for playing GAA and soccer and from getting no replies to the 736 jobs he applied for because of his address.

The winning candidate will work on at least 12 different projects for Mr Cullen including at his hotel and car dealerships. In return for a 6.30am start, the winner will receive a 12-month contract and a €100,000 salary. Aspiring apprentices can apply at  www.tv3.ie/theapprentice/