Peter Wilson

Retired former Director of Operations for HSC Business Services Organisation

What are you most proud of?

First and foremost, my 3 children, Shelley, Kiri and David who, despite my best efforts, have grown with a strong social conscience and a set of values that places a high worth on honesty, duty and loyalty. Then my grandchildren who have the bravery of youth and are each their own wee characters.

From a professional point of view I am proudest of my contribution to the development of a procurement and logistics service in the healthcare sector that is valued by the organisations it serves and has raised the profile of the healthcare procurement and logistics profession to the top table in Northern Ireland.

What makes you angry?

Ooh, now, I’m a very patient person and don’t anger easily, but I think if you were to ask my family, they’d say people who park their cars selfishly across 2 (or more) parking spaces. However, if you asked my former colleagues they’d probably say technology when it doesn’t work.

What sports team do you support (if any)?

I’m an Ulster Rugby season ticketholder and attend every home game. Going hand in hand with Ulster Rugby is, of course, my love of the Ireland Rugby team, and we’re going pretty well at the moment!

Where football’s concerned I’m a Spurs fan – so I know the meaning of the word “disappointment”.

Which famous person would you most like to meet and why?

Gosh, this is a tricky one. I’d love to go for a pint with former Ireland rugby captains Keith Woods and Rory Best because I think the craic would be mighty with those two. If I was picking someone more serious I would love to have met Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

What superpower would you most like to have and why?

I’d love to be able to travel through time, firstly to tell my younger self not to worry it’ll all be ok in the end and secondly to tell my late father that Ireland are number 1 in world rugby, though I suspect he wouldn’t believe me!

What historical figure do you most admire and why?

Keeping it close to home there are two figures from Northern Ireland’s recent history, both now deceased. They are David Trimble and John Hume, they took huge political risks to bring about peace in Northern Ireland and both paid the price in terms of their political careers, but they delivered a lasting peace which has ensured that my children and grandchildren have not had to experience the things I lived with growing up during the “Troubles”.

What’s your perfect weekend?

Meal out on Friday evening with my wife (Florence), Saturday breakfast with my two youngest children followed by a rugby match at Malone RFC, then closing the weekend off with Sunday dinner with my daughters and their families. You’ll note two recurring themes here, family and food!

What’s your favourite meal?

Breakfast – an Ulster Fry from my local diner - Springsteens

Lunch – any type of sandwich as long as I don’t have to make it – sandwiches are always better if someone else makes them

Dinner – Lamb Madras from my local Indian restaurant – The Spice Merchant

Can you describe yourself in one word?

Kind (my wife says “gorgeous” but she’s biased and has a strange sense of reality!)

What do you hope to be doing 5 years from now?

Much the same as I’m doing now, enjoying my retirement with Florence, spending time with my close friends (from school and work) and looking back to 2023 fondly remembering Ireland’s great rugby world cup win!