Earlier this week Boston Mayor-Elect Marty Walsh called in to Ireland’s RTÉ Radio 1 with journalist and broadcaster Sean O’Rourke to discuss his recent municipal victory, despite the likelihood of a long-distance phone bill that would empty my bank account. Walsh, whose parents both hail from the Connemara region, gabbed with O’Rourke on a myriad of subjects ranging from his childhood home life, to battling cancer, to alcoholism, to his decision to run for mayor.

Listen to Marty Walsh on Ireland’s RTÉ Radio 1 right here

Though he didn’t mention his opponent John Connolly, Walsh did defend his deep-seeded labor background which had morphed into something of a stigma throughout the entirety of the race.

He also praised his endorsers – specifically Charlotte Golar Richie, Felix Arroyo, and John Barros – for their work in mobilizing minority supporters to the polls. But, he credited most of his success to “old school” down-in-the-trenches campaigning which includes the likes of knocking on doors and passing out pamphlets.

Interestingly, he notes that his decision to run was based on the combination of an interest in municipal politics and incumbent Mayor Tom Menino’s unfortunate declining health. If Menino had decided to run for an unprecedented sixth term, Walsh said he would have thrown all of his support behind him.

And while naturally he’s proud of his heritage and how Boston has fostered Irish politicos for generations, notably with the likes of John F “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald and James Michael Curley, it was his forward-thinking approach that won him his City Hall seat. He conferred with aids who helped elect President Barack Obama to a second term as Commander-in-chief, who helped usher in Bill de Blasio as the next Mayor of New York City, and who helped him properly wield the power of social media.

As for what political planning Walsh has in store after his mayoral bid, he noted simply “I’ll leave it right there for now.”

Marty Walsh will assume the office of Mayor on January 6, 2014.