Tommy Morris/Occupation: Senior medical social worker, Peamount Chest Hospital, Newcastle, Co Dublin.
Personal/Family: Former special adviser in the Department of the Taoiseach in the rainbow government of John Bruton. Late vocation to medical social work - masters graduate of UCC. Married to Ann Keating, principal medical social worker at Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross. Two daughters - Sarah Lynn, currently studying social work at college, and Emma Bridget, starting transition year at Coláiste Ciarán, Leixlip. Proud uncle of Mark Smith, Special Olympics medal winner.
What figure from the world of health/medicine do you most admire?
Lady Isabela Aberdeen, who founded Peamount Hospital to eradicate TB. She sold her personal belongings and travelled the world to raise money to establish Peamount. Dr Noel Browne for the mother and child scheme and his work on TB eradication. Prof Luke Clancy for his anti-smoking/anti-smog campaigning and TB eradication.
What alternative career might you have chosen?
Broadcaster/journalist.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
Establish a health ombudsman immediately and restore to the Department a beefed-up version of the Freedom of Information Act. Appoint Prof Luke Clancy to the board of Peamount Hospital as chairman when he retires in December.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
None. Would not be a big fan of rats.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes. I was diagnosed with and treated for Guillian Barré in 1985. I am told I was a model patient, but I remember little about it.
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
The Naked Politician by Katie Hannon; the Bible, and Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Yes. A visit to any church for a little reflective prayer or a day out with my nephew Mark Smith.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Prime Time, especially during election coverage. Also, Seán O'Rourke on News at One on RTÉ Radio.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
Toronto, Canada. We spent our honeymoon there and have returned many times.
Summarise yourself in 12 words?
Humorous, emotional, always interested, contented, sensitive, advocate, abhorrent of deceit or injustice.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
Never.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Brendan Grace, David Jason as Del Boy in Only Fools & Horses. My wife, Ann Keating.