Loves

Photography I take cameras with me everywhere and it's anything that grabs my eye – a landscape, odd things on a whim. I like capturing images but most of the best results I've had have been people.

Travelling I think the reason for that is my first time on a plane was when I was 22. I was going to work in Zimbabwe as an electrician. That set off the bug hugely and I look on travelling as a bonus of my job.

My job Is that a bit obvious? I like the challenges that acting throws at you. I'm not mad about being an actor but I love acting. There's a perception about actors; they're regarded as an oddity. I'm not really mad about the curiosity caused by the nature of your employment.

Family I love the madness of family and kids – the lunacy and the unpredictability. I have three children – Ellen, who is 16; Liam, 12, and Seán is eight. I try and keep going way to a minimum and take any opportunity I have to get back.

Formula One I would be regarded as a petrol head. I love the politics, the technology, the gladiatorial aspect to it. I didn't get to Monaco this year for the first time in a long time.

Loathes

Coriander Me and Stephen Fry. I couldn't live in Los Angeles, India or Mexico because of it. I don't like the aftertaste and I hate when it's called cilantro. I'd also put rhubarb and marmalade in the same category although I am a lover of jam.

Shiny floor shows It's X Factor, Dancing on Ice, Britains Got Talent… Don't get me wrong. I love reality shows – I like Big Brother and documentaries but I despise the celebration of humiliation. It's like the Coliseum – bring them in and kill them. I hate the arrogance of that.

Whinging People who whinge, for whom nothing is good enough – pessimists. Pessimism is a cancer. It's like a bad apple in a barrel of apples – unproductive and destructive. I'm an optimist. You have to be happy. There are a couple of mates of mine who can whinge magnificently but they do it for the right reasons and make it funny – it's comedy. But the genuine head-on-chest, I can't handle that.

Politicians Most of them, anyway. The vast majority. I don't like what they have done with the economy. The people who are supposed to represent us got us into this current mess. They have stolen the future from our children and they're self-serving people more or less, with no morals at all.

Liam Cunningham is a judge in Canon's 'Lights, Canon Action' competition which is looking for Ireland's upcoming director. For more information, visit www.connector.ie