Marie O'Connor,secretary and public relations officer of the Health Services Action Group, health analyst, author and broadcaster.
Personal/family:Two children, Emer and Ruadhán.
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
The late Ivan Illich, whom I had the pleasure of staying with in Bremen, Germany, some years ago. He is a renowned critic of industrial society and his book, Limits to Medicine, written over 30 years ago, is still relevant in an era when the over-consumption of medical treatment and pharmaceutical products threatens the future of health systems in many countries, including our own.
What other career might you have chosen?
Architecture. I have always been interested in design.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
Developing the public health system instead of subsidising for-profit ventures. Enabling second-level hospitals to provide essential services, such as A&E and maternity care. Democratising health administration by abolishing the Health Service Executive and devolving power to individual hospitals and services within accountable local government structures.
What is your greatest fear?
Climate change.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Once as a child for a tonsillectomy, then later as an adult for childbirth. I must have been a good patient - I did what I was told.
When or where are you happiest?
Enjoying downtime with family and friends. I enjoy weekends down the country, particularly in Munster. I am also happy abroad - anywhere in France, Italy, Spain or Portugal.
How do you cope with stress?
Listening to music, cooking dinner while listening to a favourite CD, and enjoying a glass of wine with the finished dish.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
Not allowing myself to be intimidated, particularly as a writer.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
A long-standing and incurable inability to make decisions quickly.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
Yes, I certainly would use them in preference to pharmaceutical alternatives if I needed them.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My family and films, those of Jacques Tati, such as Monsieur Hulot's Holidayand Emir Kusturica's Underground.
What is your motto?
I don't have any.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
No favourites at present. I think that Raidió na Gaeltachta's news coverage is outstanding.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
Books by Naomi Klein and Thomas Szasz and novels by Tomas Mac Síomóin and Margaret Atwood.
- In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell