Leán O'Flaherty: Nutrition manager, The National Dairy Council.
Personal/family: Married to Shaun Gilbride, daughter Cara and eight months pregnant.
What figure from the world of medicine/health do you most admire?
Any health professional who improves services in developing countries. I once visited a hospital in Senegal and was struck by the impressive staff attitude considering how stretched their basic resources were. On the home front, I'll be following Prof Drumm's leadership of the HSE with interest and hope he can bring about some valuable changes.
What other career might you have chosen?
Definitely one in healthcare, although when I was younger I wanted to be a ballerina. I've met many health professionals through NDC and could imagine myself in something like practice nursing. I've also spent time in research and would enjoy a career in academia.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
To upgrade facilities in the children's and maternity hospitals. I'd like to act on many of the recommendations of the obesity task force to tackle the growing incidence of type 2 diabetes and childhood obesity. I'd also health-proof the policies of Government departments to ensure "joined-up thinking".
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
Heights, but at eight months pregnant I'm currently worried by the thoughts of labour. For some reason, the fact that I have been through it before does not console me.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Only as a day patient for minor procedures. An undemanding patient, the only question I asked was "have you started yet", after coming around from the anaesthesia.
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
Eats, Shoots and Leaves to finally read, Fast Food Nation to re-read and any bumper book of Sudoku.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Luckily, I rarely get stressed, but small things help such as chatting it over with my husband, a long phone-call to a friend, or having something to look forward to, even just a trip to the cinema.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
I love gift grub on Ian Dempsey. We're currently moving house so I'm watching shows like Desperate Houses. I enjoyed RTÉ's The Practice and programmes such as Child of Our Time with Robert Winston.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
Melbourne. I have a close friend there and my brother is settling there with his wife. They have fantastic facilities for sport and, of course, better weather.
Summarise yourself in about 12 words.
Patient and understanding (ie married to an ironman triathlete), loyal, conscientious. I enjoy life and have a good sense of humour.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
No.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My daughter and her toddler antics. My dad, Peter Kay and Tommy Tiernan. My all-time favourite is Monty Python's Life of Brian.
Interview by Dr Muiris Houston