On the Couch

Cillian Twomey: Occupation: Geriatrician.

Cillian Twomey: Occupation: Geriatrician.

Personal & family: Wife Mary, five children - Feargal, Colman, Cliona, Cian and Caitriona.

What figure from the world of health/ medicine do you most admire?

A UCC medical school classmate, Dr Eugene Egan, who greatly helped introduce anaesthetic services to Tanzania.

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What alternative career might you have chosen?

A 'top' professional golfer (truly 'Walter Mittyesque' as all those who know my golfing ability will readily testify!).

If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?

Three ex-aequo: i) Put health policy on an all-Party political basis; ii) expand general practice; and iii) insist on providing equitable regional specialist self-sufficiency, working in hospital networks nationwide.

Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?

No phobias, thankfully; greatest fear - being on my own for any length of time.

Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?

Luckily not since I was aged six years old. I am still striving to keep well away from doctors!

What three books would you bring to a desert island?

Tomás de Bháldraithe's English-Irish Dictionary, the complete collection of Frank O'Connor's short stories and any 'how to sort out your short game' golf instruction book - provided it works!

Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?

The more I ignore stress, the less it bothers me. The Lyric FM button on the car radio is also very therapeutic.

What is your favourite TV or radio programme?

Almost anything on Lyric FM, and, most of the time, Tonight with Vincent Browne.

If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?

Definitely the south of France, 'sur le pont' and all that.

Summarise yourself in 12 words.

A bit 'off' on timekeeping, a tad obsessive but honest and usually good-humoured.

Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?

No.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Tommy Cooper - even before he says anything, much to irritation of my little darlings and their mother.