What are you driving?

It's an old Escort. Basically, it's a group N rally car. That means it's more or less standard, except that you have a quickshift gearbox, upgraded brakes and a roll cage.

And you drive this on the street?

I do, yeah. It's quite a mean machine. It does get a few looks. It's definitely not quiet.

Wouldn't you rather go unnoticed?
I don't mind. I'll drive anything. I don't care. It was just one of those things. We get time enough to drive for pleasure.

What state is it in, inside and out?
It's always dirty. Forget valets. The floor has all sorts on it. But mainly car park tickets - I don't eat much.

What do you think your car says about you?
It depends which one you're talking about. I have about seven.

What about the rally car then?
That I don't give a bollocks.

Anything more specific?
I'm a carefree man. It's old and dirty. It has a bit of spike under the hood, but, hey, I don't let on about that.

So what other cars do you have?
I've got a truck as well, a bigfoot pickup. It's the biggest you can legally drive on the roads in Europe.

Aren't seven cars a bit unnecessary? You can't drive them all.

Nah. I have a four-wheel drive, a Porsche 911 and two BMWs. I've left one out. I have two coupes as well. That's eight. I prefer the Porsche. The truck's a project, a customised vehicle. I learnt to be a mechanic after I'd left school at 15. I stopped when I was about 17.

If Boyzone were a car, what would they be?
A proper 911.

And Take That?
I'm sure they'd be a 911 as well. For one, Boyzone have never slagged off another band, and we're never going to. So I can't answer that question.

What do you listen to in the car?
Capital Radio, actually.

Ever experienced road rage?
Not a problem. If somebody wants to cut me up, I couldn't care less. In all my years of driving, I don't think I've ever biffed someone up.

Not even when you're rally driving?
Nah, it's all fun. People often take a pop at me when they realise who I am. People being ignorant towards life. But then again, I couldn't give a shite. You know what I mean?

Have you ever had sex in a car?
No. That's my private life really, and nobody else's business. All right?

Shane Lynch is in Boyzone and they have an album out in May