The Queen of Ireland aka Panti Bliss has revealed that the next crown she would most like to wear would be that of President of Ireland. Panti was speaking after the premiere last night of the new documentary film which traces the rise of her alter ego Rory O'Neill from smalltown boy to national treasure.
Naturally there was no shortage of glamour on the night, and Panti walked the red carpet in a fetching gold trouser suit. "I decided I would dress up like an Oscar statue", she joked.
Audiences around the country joined in a live Q&A session following the premiere. It was broadcast by satellite to audiences at cinemas across Ireland, with questions taken via Twitter and from the live audience at Dublin's Lighthouse Cinema.
During questioning Panti revealed that despite her central role in the Marriage Equality referendum she wouldn't be standing for public office - however she disclosed that a run at the Presidency could be on the cards.
"I make a decent enough speech and like posing for pictures", Panti said, and joked that if she became Ireland's first citizen she could alternate between Panti and Rory - "two Presidents for the price of one".
Panti was also asked if she still "checked herself at a pedestrian crossing", a quote from her Noble Call speech at the Abbey which won her worldwide acclaim.
She said that while "it occasionally still happens", Ireland had become a much more tolerant place since the Marriage Referendum and said that it was heartening to see gay couples now holding hands on the street. Panti also said that if the vote was run next week, the majority would be even larger as many of those who voted against - swayed by what she called "fringe" voices - would know they have nothing to fear.
Director Conor Horgan and Panti
The Queen of Ireland follows Rory O'Neill's journey from the small Mayo town of Ballinrobe to striding the world stage. Filmed over a number of years, the documentary goes behind the scenes with his alter ego Panti in the year she became the symbol of Ireland’s successful march towards Marriage Equality.
Special guests on Wednesday night included Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton (who plays Sean Tully in the soap), actress Pauline McLynn and comedian Katherine Lynch.
Read our review of The Queen of Ireland here and watch our interview with Panti Bliss and director Conor Horgan by clicking on the video link.
Pauline McGylnn, Sean Tully, Panti and, Katherine Lynch and Brendan Courtney
Conor Horgan, director of The Queen of Ireland
Pauline McLynn
Ktherine Lynch
