ON THE COUCH: FIONA TYRELLtalks to Art Conaghan, development manager with the Parkinson's Association of Ireland
Family/personal:In a relationship with Lesley.
Which living person do you most admire and why?Journalist and author Malcolm Gladwell. He is a thought-provoking writer who thinks outside of the box.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?The current economic situation, an ageing population and the current public/private system. I am a child of the NHS and a fervent advocate of free healthcare at the point of need.
What is your greatest extravagance?Tailored shirts and hand-made shoes.
What is your most unhealthy habit?Coffee and apple strudel at Metro Cafe on South William Street.
How do you relax?Coffee and apple strudel at Metro Cafe.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?It would have to be George Hook, Willie John McBride (the former Irish and Lions rugby player) and Hector Woolnough (the former Northampton Saints and England Rugby player).
What is your idea of perfect happiness?The Irish Times, Radio 4 and some poached eggs on toast on a sunny Saturday morning.
What trait do you most value in your friends?Trust.
What talent would you most like to have?The ability to play jazz piano. I rue the day I gave up my piano lessons.
What is your earliest memory?The smell of soap suds from my grandmother's twintub washing machine.
What other career might you have chosen?A journalist. I do a bit of writing for the Italian rugby press but not enough to make a living.
What is your most treasured possession?A very old Italian espresso pot.
Do you use alternative/ complementary medicines or therapies?No.
What books or films have inspired you?Alistair Cook's Letter from America. I used to listen to him on Radio 4.
Fiona Tyrrell