Director Neil Jordan would like to film Ian Paisley’s life story. In a candid interview with Irish press on Monday, Oscar winning director Jordan, who's previous hits have included modern classics like “The Crying Game,” “Interview with the Vampire” and “Mona Lisa,” said he is keen to return to Northern Ireland as a subject, and particularly to the new, more peaceful version.

“I always found Ian Paisley an absolutely fascinating character,” he told the press. “His kind of rhetoric was extraordinary. It would be interesting, considering the changes he went through. And you know who wants to play him — Liam Neeson!”

In Jordan's latest film, “Ondine,” a fisherman (played by Colin Farrell) falls in love with a young woman he rescues in his nets. “It was a lovely film to make, very sweet,” the 60-year-old director said. “This story had a redemptive quality to it and I just decided to follow it. That’s what attracted Colin and Alicja Bachleda (the Polish actress) to it.”

Farrell was crucial in getting the film produced.“We needed a considerable budget,” says Jordan. “So we basically needed Colin to get the film made.”

“Ondine” will have its American premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in April.