Hi Brian,
I'm from Longford too, and a self confessed OCD cleaner,
what stage is the mk2 at now? i.e. mostly dull or faded paint? Or it's had quite a good life and you want to enhance it?
The best thing I found is sealants for red paint, or to keep a good layer of wax on them, to stop it fading to pink.
I'm fond of Jetseal and the dodo range of waxes, however I have and use others based on the needs. (collinite over the winter etc)
As for polishing, it depends on how fussy or energetic you are, you can get nice results by hand, in terms of glossing the paint, but for proper correction and swirl removal you'll need machine work or arms like popeye.
By hand, for just gloss enhancement, Lime prime is lovely stuff IMO, but I can't fault the menzerna range for some proper paint correction.
I do be home most weekends, and can show you or advise you as necessary with the different products if you'd like PM me. I have them in the golf most of the time anyway!