A penchant for jewellery and a taste for crisps

ON THE COUCH: Muireann Cullen is manager of the Nutrition and Health Foundation

ON THE COUCH:Muireann Cullen is manager of the Nutrition and Health Foundation

Family/personal:

Married to Shane.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

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Nelson Mandela.

What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?

Lack of respite and nursing home beds, the need for more healthcare professionals in the community and clinical setting, and lack of ringfenced funding for health promotion.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Jewellery.

What is your most unhealthy habit?

Crisps. I love cheese and onion, salt and vinegar and chilli flavour. When I have a glass of wine, my willpower goes out the window.

How do you relax?

At home I turn off the lights, light some candles and have a home spa.

Otherwise, I relax by spending time with friends and family.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

My husband who is always a great support when I try out a new recipe for a dinner party, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Des Bishop.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Walking along a beach, with water lapping at my ankles, sun on my skin and not a care in the world.

What trait do you most value in your friends?

Honesty and loyalty.

What talent would you most like to have?

I love to travel so I would love to be good at picking up languages.

Do you use alternative/ complementary medicines or therapies?

Yes, I use arnica for bruising and echinaea for colds.

What is your earliest memory?

I remember getting a lesson in school about the dangers of smoking and tar at the age of six. My mother was a smoker so I pestered her until she gave up.

What is your most treasured possession?

My engagement ring. I smile every time I see it.

What other career might you have chosen?

My second choice on the CAO form was forensic science.

What books or films have inspired you?

Nine summers by Rina Huber.

In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell