Tadhg Daly
Occupation: Chief executive of the Irish Nursing Homes Organisation.
Personal/family: Married to Maura with two girls - Bronagh (6) and Muireann (2).
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
The dedicated and committed staff involved in the care of older people who are the unsung heroes of the health service. I also admire consultant gerontologist Killian Twomey, who is a fearless advocate for older people.
What other career might you have chosen?
Barrister.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
I would increase investment in the care of older people. Currently major reform is needed to secure a sustainable and rational financing structure. I would also reform the subvention scheme to create a clear, fair, uniform and adequate system for financing long-term care. Finally, I would see that all nursing homes, public and private, are subjected to the same minimum standard inspections and ensure that the inspectorate is independent of the Health Service Executive.
What is your greatest fear?
Not achieving what I want to achieve in life.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
I was a patient on many occasions in my younger days and yes I was a good patient.
When or where are you happiest?
Spending time with my family, by the sea or visiting my native home in west Cork.
How do you cope with stress?
Sport helps me deal with stress - GAA or kayaking. Also listening to my daughters playing and chatting helps.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
Decisive, hardworking and persistent.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
Impatient and persistent.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
Yes.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My daughters, Dermot Morgan and Radio Roy on Today FM.
What is your motto?
Live life to the full, there is only one spin on the merry-go-round.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
The Sunday Game, The John Creedon Show and political and current affairs programmes.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
Green Fields by Tom Humphries, The Boss by Joe Joyce and Peter Murtagh, and No News at Throat Lake by Laurence Donegan.
(In interview with Fiona Tyrrell)