Michael Griffith, Chief executive, Fighting Blindness.
Personal/family: Married with five daughters.
What figure from the world of medicine/health do you most admire?
Ruth Barrington, chief executive of The Health Research Board. Since taking up this position, she has been responsible for a significant increase in health research in Ireland and has provided a basis for further development in this area in years to come.
What other career might you have chosen?
Having worked closely with scientists over the past 20 years, I have often felt I would have liked to have pursued a career in medical science.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
To resolve the position where people are left on trolleys for lengthy periods before admission to hospital.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
I don't have a phobia but my greatest fear would be for the safety and health of my family.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes and no.
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
The Power of Now by Eckert Tolle, Ulysses by James Joyce, as I would like to get time to read it again, and Finnegan's Wake by James Joyce, because there would be no excuse not to finish it.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Yes, meditation and regular exercise.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
I like to listen to Lyric FM but don't have a favourite programme. I thought the recent documentary on Charles Haughey was very well made and enjoyed it but I would have to say Prime Time would be my favourite.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
I would like to live in France - I like the diversity of having the Mediterranean in the south yet it has a similar climate to Ireland in the north. They appear to have a healthier lifestyle also.
Summarise yourself in 12 words.
A happy person, traditional yet liberal, family man, passionate about his work.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
I do occasionally; I drink herbal teas and have had holistic massage.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Billy Connolly.