I have a total irreverence for anything connected with society except that which makes the roads safer the beer stronger the food cheaper and the old men and old women warmer in the winter and happier in the summer.

In America I would say New York and New Orleans are the two most interesting food towns. In New Orleans they don't have a bad deli. There's no mediocrity accepted.

I also meet with city officials representatives from governors' offices really anyone in that sort of position who has shown an interest in youth fitness to let them know why this sort of program is so important. I give the same message when I speak at conferences.

I was a bit worried coming back to the Premiership from America but I have been pleased with my form and the interest I have received has been good for my ego. I have no worries about my fitness and I am really looking forward to the season starting now.

We are involved in youth testing internationally. We want to try to prove without a shadow of a doubt the relationship between physical fitness and health not just physical fitness and ability to perform.

Parentage is a very important profession but no test of fitness for it is ever imposed in the interest of the children.

Our strength in finance has led us to set up an international financial centre with medium and long-term objectives especially to develop Islamic financial and insurance services.

To be fair lying is part and parcel of public life. Every politician has lied about something because they are owned by the special interest groups that finance their elections.

I don't plan on going back to legal work. I wanted an international career and finance seemed to be where some interesting career opportunities were.

Masood Ahmed brings to the position of director of external relations extensive experience gained in a range of senior positions in international finance and development.