Micheál Martin got candid and opened up about his private life in a rare personal interview.
The Taoiseach shared what he does after a hard day of work in office, what toppings he likes on his pizza, and the Premier League team he supports.
The Fianna Fail leader also revealed his dedication to getting in his 10,000 daily steps.
Mr Martin exclusively joined Today FM’s Dermot & Dave for their popular Ask Me Anything Special on Thursday morning.
And the Taoiseach admitted that he mimics other politicians behind closed doors, joking: “I do be very careful not to get caught.”
He said he finds the difference in expressions between different world leaders interesting, particularly contrasting the Nordic and the French, while his preferred activity to unwind and relax after working is to watch a film, documentary, or to read.
Mr Martin explained: “When I get home I relax or just watch a documentary, watch a movie, or read, I always walk after I finish the office, I take a walk around, give it half an hour or 40 mins, get over the 10,000 steps.
"Then I eat a bit of 70% cocoa chocolate. That’s my vice.”
Dermot jokingly referred to his clean eating while on the road with staff, adding: “We did hear from your entourage that you put them all to shame when you’re out on the road, that you’re the one who is eating clean, and they are all sitting there trying to get their burger and chips into them, and you might have a scourge of 70% chocolate.”
And the Taoiseach replied: “I do watch the food, I enjoy the food, I’m in interested in food, I’m a fruit person, and green tea.
In response to a question on whether he ever goes to bed with his "head spinning", Mr Martin added he can be cranky and very impatient: “Ah yeah, I can be cranky and very impatient on progress, I’m very much orientated in getting things done, in the modem era we have lots of blocks and challenges, things to get through.”
He also discussed how Covid has been the dominant theme the past two years, and that he is currently aiming to get through the winter period by alleviating pressure on the hospitals.
During the quick-fire question round, a listener texted the show to ask the Taoiseach about his fashion choices.
The text said: “You always wear the same colours of shirts and tie, blue shirt with purple-red tie, do you literally own ten versions of the same outfit?"
Micheal broke into a fit of laughter, and exolained: “He’s not the first to observe that, I tried a white shirt and blue tie, it’s going well.”
Dermot and Dave finished by asking Micheal how he copes with the stresses of the country's highest office, with Mr Martin adding: “I do walk a lot, I like active decision-making, and engaging with people.”
