On the Couch

Dr Martin Daly , General practitioner and chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation's general practice committee.

Dr Martin Daly, General practitioner and chairman of the Irish Medical Organisation's general practice committee.

Personal/family:Married to Myriam with four children - Jack, Robert, Hugh and Iseult.

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

I admire Bill and Melinda Gates and Bill Clinton for the focus, influence and resources they are bringing to the eradication of infectious diseases in the developing world such as HIV, TB and malaria.

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What other career might you have chosen?

Politics.

If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?

Develop a free, at-point-of-access health service, underwritten by insurance and regulated by Government. I would shift health service to a primary care setting where appropriate, and ensure resources follow the citizen. Finally, I would start a coherent and honest debate about how we are going to care for our elderly in the future.

What is your greatest fear?

That my children or wife contract a serious illness.

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

Yes, but you really would have to ask the medical and nursing staff who looked after me.

When or where are you happiest?

I am happiest with my children or on the golf course.

How do you cope with stress?

Golf.

What is the trait you most admire in yourself?

Honesty, I hope.

What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?

Disorganisation.

Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?

No, but I have an open mind about what gives people a sense of wellbeing.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My children.

What is your motto?

Treat people well until you are given good reason not to.

What is your favourite TV or radio programme?

Current affairs, the History Channel and Top Gear.

What books would you bring to a desert island?

Histories/biographies and Top Gear magazine.

In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell