Occupation: Medical doctor based at Slievemore Clinic, Dublin, and novelist - see www.paulcarson.net
Personal & family: Married to Jean; two children, Emily (15) and David (13)
What figure from the world of health/medicine do you most admire?
Micheál Martin (ex-Minister for Health). His anti-smoking legislation was carried despite considerable opposition from interest groups. He restored my faith in politicians.
What alternative career might you have chosen?
Opera singer (with the right voice coach I could do Covent Garden, no sweat).
If you were Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
Develop better pay and conditions for nurses.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
Phobia: algebra; greatest fear: the M50, Friday, 5.45 p.m. on a wet bank holiday weekend.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes and no. If I were treating me, I'd ask me to find another doctor.
What three books would you bring to a desert island? These three I'd read anywhere: Harry Potter and the Prisoner from Ardoyne by G.K. Adams; My Vatican Years by Ian Paisley; The Joys of Celibacy by Colin Farrell.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
No. My wife does yoga for me though.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Sky News Weather with Lisa Burke. I could watch her in any season.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to live?
Rome.
Summarise yourself in 12 words?
Cantankerous, questioning, funny, disrespectful, lovable, rebellious, impatient, cuddly, frivolous, deceitful, inconsistent, forgetful and sorry, what was the question?
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
No.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Father Ted.