ON THE COUCH:Ashley Balbirnie is chief executive of the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children
Family/personal:
Married to Candy and three sons, Andrew (17), Harry (15) and Jack (12).
Which living person do you most admire and why?
American philanthropist Chuck Feeney - it may be better to give than to receive but it certainly is not easier.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?
Lack of out-of-hours services (something we really notice with our 24-hour Childline service), the lack of joined-up thinking in the Health Service Executive and, on a personal level, the missed opportunity in confronting the power of consultants.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Candy, my wife of 19 years, who is hugely expensive!
What is your most unhealthy habit?
My wife.
How do you relax?
Being with Andrew, Harry and Jack - not always relaxing in the conventional way but it is always entertaining.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Candy, JD Salinger, Carla Bruni, FW de Klerk, Ali Hewson, Barry Andrews and Sophia Loren.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sun shining on the wall at Pembroke Cricket Club while watching one of my boys play with Candy on one side and a cool pint on the other.
What trait do you most value in your friends?
Ability to take neither themselves nor life too seriously.
What talent would you most like to have?
Ability to play any musical instrument.
Do you use alternative/complementary medicines or therapies?
I have found acupuncture very effective for my dodgy back.
What is your earliest memory?
First day at school. I can still feel the trauma.
What is your most treasured possession?
My health.
What other career might you have chosen?
I was in the media business before this. I wouldn't have chosen any other career.
What books or films have inspired you?
Catcher in the Rye. Like Holden Caulfield, I am always on the look-out for phoneys.
In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell