Paul Gilligan Clinical psychologist and chief executive of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC).
Personal/family: My wife and I have two teenage girls.
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
I greatly admire Carl Rogers, whose work on humanistic psychology has influenced the development of person-centred and child-centred approaches to people in need of psychological support. I also greatly admire Penelope Leach for the massive contribution she has made to millions of parents through her parenting books.
What other career might you have chosen?
Human rights lawyer.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
The establishment of a comprehensive, child-friendly range of direct-access, 24-hour services available to all children and young people in Ireland. Adequate resources for Irish child-protection services which would support all children, including socially isolated children, children within the juvenile justice system and children from minority groups such as the Travelling community.
I would also ensure that the needs of children and the challenges to positive parenting would be addressed through the provision of a State-funded, comprehensive positive parenting campaign and through life skills training to children of primary school age.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, I have been a patient and no, I wasn't a good one.
When or where are you happiest?
On holidays with my family.
How do you cope with stress?
Playing tennis or cycling.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
I don't give up easily.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
Sometimes I can be intolerant.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
I drink lots of green tea.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My family, friends and Fawlty Towers.
What is your motto?
Nothing worthwhile can ever be achieved without hard work.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
The Office, The West Wing and Morning Ireland.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.
(In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell)