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The 5-minute Interview: Alex Proud, gallery owner

'I was once in Charles Kennedy's kitchen cabinet'

Inteview,Jonathan Morrow
Saturday 19 January 2008 01:00 GMT
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In 1998, Alex Proud, 37, launched the Proud Galleries, one of Europe's most successful independent photographic institutions. Tomorrow, he adjudicates the final of the photography competition 'Picture This' on Channel 4.

If I weren't talking to you right now I would be...

Lying at home with my one-day-old son, Ulysses.

A phrase I use far too often...

"Sorry I yelled at you." I have used this one a lot with my staff.

I wish people would take more notice of...

Society's less visible people – the elderly, mentally ill and those in jail.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

The end of my wife's 40-hour labour. When my son arrived it was just an indescribable moment. I wouldn't go as far to say I had a new-age man moment, but I did cry.

A common misconception of me is....

There are a lot. I am perceived as being arrogant when I am simply trying to make things happen.

I am not a politician but....

I am a politician. I used to sit in Charles Kennedy's kitchen cabinet. I would do more to protect civil liberties, burn ID cards and end the war on terror.

I am good at...

When a goal has been set I seem to focus best.

I am very bad at....

Knowing when to shut up and let others take over.

The ideal night out is...

With my wife and baby.

In moments of weakness I....

I would go home to my wife. She is tremendously supportive.

You know me as a gallery owner but in truer life I would have been...

A politician.

The best age to be is...

I would say 27. You have the money, confidence and experience to go out and really enjoy yourself.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is....

Enjoy today, respect those around you and love your friends and family.

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