Dermot Fahey: local politician, community ambassador, hen-pecked husband. But, when the things Dermot treasures most are threatened, he's not afraid to stand up.

We put some of your questions to Seamus Power, to find out what makes Dermot tick!

Will Dermot ever go back to politics?

What our country needs right now is a charismatic leader with a vision for a fairer society. Someone with a strong moral compass, a keen sense of social justice and a good grasp of the financial complexities that beset our nation going forward. So, yes, Dermot for Taoiseach!

What storyline would you love to give Dermot?

Dermot has spent his entire life giving himself to the people of Carrigstown. Facing personal and financial ruin and thinking his wife, child and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in an angel coming to earth to help Dermot. She shows Dermot what things would have been like if he had never been born. His loved ones are either dead, ruined or miserable. Dermot realises that he has touched many people in a positive way and that his life has truly been a wonderful one.

What has been your favourite storyline as Dermot?

I couldn't single out any particular storyline. Always looking forward to the next one!

What's it like to be in one of the best on screen partnerships with Jo?

Thanks, it's very kind of you to say so. I see Dermot and Jo as part of a very old tradition. The dramatic device of the "quarrelsome couple" goes back hundreds of years. People have always enjoyed the ups and downs and power struggles that go on between men and women. In television drama Dermot and Jo would be along the same lines as Stan and Hilda Ogden or Jack and Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street. Sometimes, I think we're a bit like Punch and Judy!

Will Dermot ever stand up to Jo?

Only if Jo lets him!

Is Dermot happily married to Jo as she can be annoying at times? Do you ever think he might have made a mistake and wish he could get away from her? If you were to pick for Dermot someone to have a fling with, who would it be?

I don't think Dermot would leave Jo simply because she's "annoying at times". Surely that's part of being in a relationship. There's a very strong bond between them and I think it would take a lot to break it. Dermot loves his wife so I don't think he'd be bothered having a fling with anyone. Why have a burger out when you can have steak at home?!

What do you think Dermot loves most about Jo?

Her warm, gentle alluring voice!

Would you like to see Ann Clarke come back to the show again to stir up trouble between Dermot and Jo? She was Dermot's first girlfriend in the show and one of the original characters.

I doubt if Ann Clarke would come back to stir up trouble, as she was a bit of a man eater and although they dated, Dermot would not have been the love of her life. But I like your idea of someone from the past coming back to throw a spanner in the works. Some skeletons in the cupboard could generate some interesting storylines hmmm........

I loved the scenes with Dermot and Philip. What do you think Dermot feels towards Philip?

I think Dermot is very fond of Philip. He sees him as a very talented and promising young man who could reach his full potential if he's nurtured and encouraged in the right direction.

Can you describe an average day on set on Fair City?

On Mondays we all sit down together and read the four episodes for the coming week. Tuesday to Friday we record all the episodes. No two days are the same. Your day could be hectic, dashing from set to set, recording one scene after another or you could be waiting for hours until they're ready to shoot your scene. We occasionally record on Saturdays and Sundays and night time shoots can go into the early hours. Everybody involved works really hard. The hours can be very long but I generally find the work really enjoyable and satisfying.

Who in the cast do you feel closest to?

I'm very lucky to enjoy an excellent working relationship with Rachel Murphy who plays Jo. I can honestly say that in over ten years working closely together, we have never had an argument or even a cross word. Mainly because I can't get a word in edgeways! Other cast members I've always enjoyed working with include Tom Jordan, (Charlie) Tony Tormey, (Paul), Pat Nolan, (Barry), Jimmy Bartley (Bela) and Mick Nolan (Ray) among others.

What I love about Dermot is that he stands up for his beliefs. Do you share that opinion and are you like that out of character?

When the chips are down, Dermot will always defend his principles and family. I would hope that most people would do the same.

Who would you like to share more scenes with given the chance?

I think there's lots of acting talent in Fair City at the moment. Many of whom I haven't worked with yet. I would love to do some stuff with Sam Peter Corry, Michael Sheehan, The Dillons, Alan Devine, Bryan Murray, Aisling O'Neill, Enda Oates, Maclean Burke, Alan O'Neill, Helen Norton....The list goes on and on!

If you could pick one character that has since left Fair City, who would you love to bring back?

Alas, many of the actors who played my favourite characters have gone to that great rehearsal room in the sky. To be in a position to watch the work of actors like Brendan Cauldwell, Joan O'Hara, Pat Leavy, Anna Manahan and of course the lovely Joan Brosnan Walsh was an education in itself. All of them still remembered and sadly missed.

I think Dermot does comedy and serious acting equally well. Which type of acting do you enjoy more?

Thanks for the compliment! I always think of a script as being like a score to a piece of music. It's my job to play all the notes correctly using my voice, body and imagination as the instrument. Playing comedy is challenging because all the notes, beats, pauses and tempo have to be spot on. If any single element is wrong, the entire piece will simply not be funny. On top of all that you have to make it look effortless! Because it's so tricky and difficult to do well, I really enjoy playing comedy.

What made you decide to become an actor?

A desperate inner need to express myself and live vicariously through the lives of imaginary characters. That, and the desire to meet pretty girls.

If you were to play another character in any programme, who would it be?

I suppose it would have to be Carlos in Desperate Housewives so I could work all day with the delectable Eva Longoria.

I read some place you are from Waterford. Do you get down often and if time permitted would you play a part in a local production in Waterford, for example WLR FM's Murder Cove?

Yes, I am a proud Waterfordian and I'm down there a good bit. It's always special to perform in my home town and last year I played the part of Bottom in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream with Red Kettle Theatre Company. I played to packed houses every night and had an absolute ball! I have about 30 Murder Cove podcasts on my iPod. I really enjoy them.

Thanks for all your questions!