Fergal McGarry, General Manager, Johnson & Johnson Ireland Limited.
Johnson & Johnson is a major healthcare company, employing 1,600 people in Ireland. The company is celebrating 70 years in Ireland this year.
Personal: Married to Eibhlin, three sons - Devin, Callen and Matthew.
What figure from the world of medicine/health do you admire most?
I'm constantly impressed with the genius of the many research scientists developing new treatments all of the time. Notably, the late Dr Paul Janssen, the only researcher in history to have five of his discoveries classified by the World Health Organisation as "essential drugs".
What other career might you have chosen?
I think I would have enjoyed running my own restaurant or, better still, a restaurant critic.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
There is a real need for us to improve the conditions within our children's hospitals, particularly Crumlin. The children and the wonderful staff deserve better facilities.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Fortunately not very often and I wouldn't describe myself as a good one.
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
A Short History of Everything, Bill Bryson; A Man in Full, Tom Wolfe; and Life of Pi, Yann Martel.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress ?
I try to avoid stress at all costs but if pushed, cooking while sipping a nice glass of wine helps.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
I'm a serial channel surfer, whether on TV or radio but enjoy most current affairs programmes. I have few must-see programmes but The Sopranos would be one.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life ?
Anywhere on the Italian coast.
Summarise yourself in under 12 words.
Reasonably tolerant, patient and easy-going and don't take myself too seriously.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
Generally, no, but I see the benefits in others.
Who or what makes you laugh?
I really enjoy good stand-ups like Jerry Seinfeld or Bill Hicks and my children never fail to entertain.