20 questions with businessman and ‘Made in Chelsea’ star Richard Dinan
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
Imagination.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
When the going gets ugly, that’s when the ugly get going.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2014?
The taxes on small businesses are pretty unacceptable. Let them grow, then tax them. Cattle can be milked as well as slaughtered.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I have some ex girlfriends I miss from time to time.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Something lasting.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
People still place too much trust in the big names. The world is full of big, stupid money. People must stop being lazy and learn to manage and invest their own money. If you give it to someone else to manage, they will pay themselves before you.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Nah”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Again, I think one must manage their own charity. A good deed from one to another can be more effective than millions to charity.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Mining, fireworks, propulsion?
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Brian Cox, Napoleon Hill, Jessica Simpson and a venture capitalist.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
There are some great places on the Phantom Card – a business I co-founded – but I particularly like Greig’s Grill on Bruton Place, Mayfair. I love my steaks so it would probably be here.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
It depends. I hate losing my concentration so I only drink at the end of the week really.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A Tarquini: That’s a straight Tarquins Gin. It’s enough to stun an elephant but it is a good fix to a long week.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
I enjoy the launch parties of products. I like there to be a reason. I like an excuse for people to show off their motorcars.
Who is the most positive person you know?
I’m pretty positive.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Disney generally and Rodgers and Hammerstein productions.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A golden eagle with a machine gun.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. I love design and mechanical beauty. It’s a dream catcher.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I have tattoos, I don’t live in Chelsea and I’m a surgeon with a long-range rifle.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A 4 billion year old meteorite. It’s part of a new wearable tech device I am launching this year alongside my revolutionary 3D Printer, the Zinter Pro.
Richard Dinan is a businessman and television personality. He has appeared in Made in Chelsea and founded the Phantom Card in 2011. He has recently launched the Zinter PRO 3D printer.
Follow him on Twitter @RichardDinan.
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