Mary Flaherty Chief executive of Children At Risk in Ireland (CARI).
Personal/family: Married to Alexis with four sons.
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
Dr Pat McKeown, psychiatrist and founder of Aware, for his ground-breaking work on public awareness of depression.
What other career might you have chosen?
This is my third career so far. Prior to this I was a teacher and a politician. I am now training as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist and I would love to run a holistic wholefood restaurant.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
Free universal healthcare modelled on the UK pre-Thatcher/Blair years. Massive investment in mental health services for children and families and free universal dental and orthodontic care.
What is your greatest fear?
Rejection.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Never, except for maternity. I believe I was a good patient and I loved the time out.
When or where are you happiest?
In my garden - gardening or entertaining.
How do you cope with stress?
Yoga, talking to friends or my therapist, a glass of wine or channel hopping.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
My positive 'yes to life' approach.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
Carelessness and lack of organisation.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
Yoga and massage. I take vitamins and St John's Wort on occasion - it's a scandal they are controlled in Ireland.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My children, Figs our dog and the novels of Nick Hornby.
What is your motto?
The Flaherty family motto : Fortuna favat foribus (Fortune favours the brave).
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
The OC and any hospital-based programme.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
A good scouting or survival manual and the Penguin Book of Modern Poetry.