Madeline Spiers
Occupation: INO President and theatre nurse
Personal/Family: one husband, two children, one dog called Molly and six fish.
What figure from the world of medicine/health do you most admire?There are so many extraordinary nurses and doctors whom I admire, to pick one would be a disservice to the others.
What other career might you have chosen? Teaching or an artist. Also, I have a degree in politics and women's studies - an area which has always interested me.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority? I would immediately implement the Primary Care and Health Care Strategies and empower frontline professionals.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear? My greatest fear would be that I will still be talking about the implementation of the health strategies in 10 years time.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one? Yes I have and you would need to ask those who cared for me.
What three books would you bring to a desert island? Bushcraft by Ray Mears; any cookery book by Rick Stein and an Anthology of 20th Century Feminist Poetry.
Have you a fail safe method of dealing with stress? Swimming in Seapoint in all weathers.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme? Any episode of Black Adder or Fraiser.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life? South of France would be an option but I like living here.
Summarise yourself in 12 words. Feminist, practical, open minded, integrity, compassionate, serious with a wry sense of humour.
Do you use alternative medicine/ therapies? Nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc on a Friday night.
Who or what makes you laugh? I enjoy listening to Vincent Browne who can be very amusing.
- Interview with Dr Muiris Houston