This week, Miriam meets brothers Dave McSavage and Barry Andrews. Dave is a successful and irreverent comedian, his brother Barry followed their father into politics, serving as Minister for Children until he lost his seat in the recent General Election.
Both men tell Miriam about their childhood. Born fifteen months apart, both men agree that Dave bullied his younger brother Barry. Barry was academic and interested in sport, Dave wasn't. Dave always seemed to be in trouble. They didn't get on particularly well as children, having little in common. Their father was a big influence on their lives, as was their mother. Her family is full of musicians and entertainers, including their uncle, Paddy Cusack, best known as Pete Briquette in the Boomtown Rats.
The brothers took different paths in adult life with Barry following his father into politics, while Dave busked around the world and discovered a talent for stand up comedy. However, their fortunes have reversed somewhat as Dave is enjoying success and notoriety as a comedian while Barry has had to deal with loosing his Dail seat in the 2011 General Election.
With age, the brothers get along better now. Barry came to Dave's aid when he was arrested during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival while Dave promises to do the same if Barry ever ends up in prison. Dave explains to Miriam that he has lived life close to the edge, but has successfully managed to give up alcohol.