Incentivise lifestyle choices to improve health

On the couch: Richard Corkin , ophthalmic surgeon

On the couch: Richard Corkin, ophthalmic surgeon

Family/personal:Married to Lynn with two children, Lucy (27) and James (21).

Which living person do you most admire and why?Nelson Mandela - for his belief in himself, his principles, his ability to show compassion to both friend and enemy, and his deep sense of humility.

What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?The Health Service Executive is a juggernaut in a stormy sea without a rudder. The top three problems are the lack of community involvement in medical services and facilities, the failure of private healthcare to be accepted as complementary to the public system, and the need to improve healthy living by incentivising healthy lifestyle choices.

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Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, John Cleese, Ruby Wax, Julie Christie and Nicole Kidman.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?Being on the golf course at Goose Valley in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa.

What trait do you most value in your friends?Sincerity.

What is your most unhealthy habit?Not being able to brave the cold and dark of winter to make gym before work.

What is your greatest extravagance?Buying a brand new 4x4 12 years ago. I am still driving it.

How do you relax?Paddling my kayak on Dalkey Sound or relaxing with a beer in front of the rugby channel.

Do you use alternative/ complementary medicines or therapies?No. I have done in the past, but don't go down that road any more.

What is your earliest memory?Aged two, banging on the table in a Portrush restaurant and shouting "more soup".

What talent would you most like to have?I would love to be a whizz kid in the kitchen.

What is your most treasured possession?I don't treasure possessions - my family is my most treasured asset.

What other career might you have chosen?Airforce pilot.

In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell