Averil Power, Fianna Fáil Senator
Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
It’s fairly healthy. I exercise several times a week, I don’t smoke and I don’t drink that much but on the negative side, I never get enough sleep.
How often do you exercise?
I’m taking part in a charity boxing match in December between Suttonians Rugby Club and the Dublin Airport Authority – I’m training pretty hard for that with boxing, running and skipping. I really enjoy boxing as a sport, it’s tough but it’s a great way to get in shape quickly and work off all the stresses after a tough day in work.
Do you get your five a day?
I try to, but it depends on the day. Some days I eat really healthily but others I’d be eating sandwiches in the car on my way to a meeting. Hopefully it evens out. I eat a lot of fish and vegetables but I may not eat enough fruit. I cheat by having a smoothie.
Do you worry?
I don’t get time to worry during the day because I’m usually rushing from one thing to the next, but sometimes I’ll lie in bed at night thinking things over and analysing things. It’s the nature of the job in politics that you are always wondering if you’ve made the right decision. I know it’s as important to look after your mental health as your physical health so I try to do that as well.
What do you do to relax?
Playing with my dogs – I’ve two Labradors Frankie and Charlie and they relax me as soon as I get home from work. They meet me at the front door and jump all over me. I walk them a lot. At the weekend, we went around Howth Head. It’s quiet there and the view is beautiful.
What’s your unhealthiest habit?
I don’t really eat chocolate or cake but I’ve a major addiction to carbs – crisps, microwave popcorn, crackers. My other unhealthy habit is eating on the run.
In conversation with
JOANNE HUNT