Andrew Kelly, chief executive Irish Blood Transfusion Service.
Personal/family: Married to Martina, three daughters - Sarah (21), Andrea (20) and Aileen (15). Living in Dundrum, Dublin.
What figure from the world of medicine/health do you most admire?
James Watson and Francis Crick for their elucidation of the structure and functions of DNA.
What other career might you have chosen?
It would range from teaching, banking, PR and, more laterally, sports commentating. Ideally I would like to run my own bookstore.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
Take the strategies already published and take an integrated approach to resolving the difficulties. Perhaps a new approach would be to seek cross-party support for a series of incentives that are broad based and are not designed for quick wins but rather to deliver better healthcare for all.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
My phobia is falling through one of those openings in the ground outside pubs where deliveries are received. I either walk over or around them but never on them. My greatest fear would be to find myself in an elevator stuck in a multi-storey car park (which is why I always take the stairs).
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes and no. I would not have been the best patient. Staying in bed or still does not come easy!
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
Churchill - A Life, Martin Gilbert; Lifelines, Vol 1, Wesley College Students; and The Human Stain, Philip Roth.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Walking, especially hill walking, listening to classical music and choir practice.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Favourite TV programme is The West Wing and radio programmes Tonight with Vincent Browne and the John Creedon Show (not that I hear it very often!).
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
Southwest France, Bordeaux region.
Summarise yourself in about 12 words.
Balanced, understanding, good sense of humour, hard working and wanting to get the best from my colleagues.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
No, I did use acupuncture once.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Family meal times and especially my 15-year old daughter, Aileen. Billy Connolly and The Gift Grub Team (Today FM).