Health scan lifestyle Q&A

Michael D Higgins, Labour presidential candidate

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

I try to live a healthy lifestyle. I try to eat well and am very active, especially since the start of this election period. I’m criss-crossing the country and am on my feet for a large part of every day. The life of a politician can militate against living healthily and it does require self-discipline to maintain a healthy balance.

How often do you exercise?

While on the campaign, there is a lot of physical activity. Over the years, I have always been a keen walker, and, of course, Galway is fantastic for walks on Salthill strand, or in Connemara. I also enjoy swimming. For the last year, I have also been going to yoga classes, which are fantastic.

Do you get your five a day?

Yes I do, and I have been making a conscious effort over the past 18 months to have an energy-giving diet and have adjusted my diet accordingly. I eat far more fish and vegetables. Desserts are near extinction.

Do you worry?

I think we all do to varying degrees. I certainly do at times; not any more so, I would say, than others. I’m lucky to have a very loving family, who are a wonderful support to me in times of worry.

What do you do to relax?

I like to go home to Galway. I am a keen gardener and have planted all sorts of plants and trees in my garden. I love to tend to them when time permits. I used to have beautiful Bernese mountain dogs and would walk them, or simply read with them at my feet.

What’s your unhealthiest habit?

While on a campaign where you are on the road so much, it can be difficult to make sure that what you eat is healthy – you end up having to eat on the run. Long car journeys are demanding and it’s easy to forget to exercise. Another is that I tend to go to a lot of public meetings in the evenings, and that can mean lots of late nights with early mornings to follow.