DUNCAN McGinty is the current leader of Sedgemoor District Council, having been elected to the role back in April 2005.

He first won his seat on the authority back in 1997 after winning election for the Parchey ward, and says he was first prompted to stand in the wake of a planning decision he felt was "very wrong" for the area.

Cllr McGinty was born in Northern Ireland in 1954. His mother was a teacher and his father was in the RAF. He went to school in London and spent 26 years there running his own retail business.

These days, he is married to Christine, and they live in a converted barn in Sutton Mallet with their two great Danes, Hooch and Remy.

What do you think is the best and worst thing about the place you live in?

The best thing is the variety of the surrounding countryside - the coast, hills, The Levels, and the friendliness of the people. I really enjoy living here. One of the worst things is the lack of a reliable public transport system and the disadvantages for people who live in rural areas and can't fulfil their potential.

What do you think is the best thing and the worst thing about your job?

I enjoy attempting to (sometimes successfully!) help businesses and people with their problems in trying to make Sedgemoor a better place to live and work in. The worst thing is the red tape that you sometimes have to go through to help others.

What was your ambition as a child?

To be a fireman or an astronaut.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Individual achievement can only be gauged by others, but on a personal level, I am grateful to everyone involved in obtaining the regional recognition for Sedgemoor that should bring in millions of pounds to the local economy.

What characteristics do you dislike most in others and in yourself?

I don't like people who won't accept no for an answer. I don't like saying no, which can lead to problems.

What is your biggest fear?

I hate injections. And spiders.

When and where were you happiest?

I am generally contented most of the time.

What three items would you take to a desert island?

My MP3 player, a good book, and a bottle.

Who are your dream dinner party guests?

Winston Churchill, who I admired for always sticking to his principles and persevering when he thought he was right, despite the amount of criticism he attracted. Heath Robinson for someone who could visualise and build machinery, and Carlos Santana for his intricate guitar playing and for his musical ability.

How would you like to be remembered?

Fondly.