‘I’m a sucker for pricey sneakers and a bottle of good whiskey once a year’

Richard Chambers is one of the country’s leading broadcast reporters. After several years with Newstalk, he joined Virgin Media News in 2018 and has led that station’s coverage of the Coronavirus crisis, reporting on the personal toll to healthcare workers and family members of those sadly lost to the pandemic. In his spare time, he’s a keen sports fan (following Bohemians FC) and divides his time between Dublin and West Cork, despite being a ‘proud son’ of Co. Clare. What score would you give the Government for its handling of the public health crisis?

It’s simply too early to tell. It’ll probably be a long time before you can do a full assessment of what should and shouldn’t have been done and when. That’s why scrutiny of all the big decisions is absolutely crucial. Do you sense it’s slipping out of our control?

If you listen to the scientists, there’s a risk that flare-ups and outbreaks could be a problem that stays with us for the next two years. The thought has kept me up at night at times over the past six months. Generally, Irish people have done an incredible job at playing their part. Covert advertising on social media is blamed for Brexit and Trump’s election. Could something similar happen here as traditional media is supplanted by social media?

By their own admission, Twitter and Facebook have been brutal at cutting down on misinformation. A quick look through what your aunt shares on Facebook would tell you that! What did your mother teach you about money?

Always, always try to save. It’s been a hard-learned lesson. What was your first paid job?

I worked in a supermarket in Co. Dublin for three years during college. I learned a lot about hard work, the value of money and teamwork. It was a joy at times. I think I got a lot of my cheerful disposition from meeting people all day. Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

The early days of getting started in journalism were gruelling. Bouncing between unpaid internships and chasing late payments for freelance work on an irregular roster while paying through the nose on rent and student debt brought with it a huge amount of stress. Were you ever paid silly money?

I thought I was paid silly money when I was given a few quid to hand out leaflets in UCD a couple of times. Are you happy with your health cover?

We’re lucky enough to have a company plan. I feel lucky knowing that I wouldn’t have to worry too much if something happened. What was the most expensive thing you bought for fun?

I bought a racing bike and all the Lycra gear years ago. I’m not sure crawling up mountains in the driving rain is fun, mind you. What was your biggest money mistake?

Maybe the bike, in fairness. ... and your best financial decision?

Downloading the Revolut app. I have it all togged out to immediately move money into savings every month. Do you own a property?

I, and many fellow millennials living in Dublin, just gave a hollow laugh at the idea of that being a real option. Were you ever ripped off, or mistreated as a consumer? What did you do?

I studied law in college and probably the only good it’s done for me is giving me a few Acts to rattle off if I’ve been short-changed. What’s the one little luxury you’d treat yourself to?

I’m a sucker for a nice bottle of whiskey once a year. That and good sneakers. I bought a pair of Nike Killshots [sneakers] on StockX last year. If you wear a suit for work, you want to look and feel good in your free time too! What would you do if you were finance minister?

I’d think about whether the decisions I make today are actually going to make life better for people.

nRichard can be seen on Virgin Media News most days at 12.30pm, 5.30pm and 8pm.