ON THE COUCHMark Blake-Knox is chief executive of Cheshire Ireland
Family/personal?
Married to Ann with two sons, Alex (11) and Paul (9), and Sophie the cat.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
Too many to mention. I am full of admiration for many of the people with physical disabilities I come across in my work who struggle every day to live the best possible life.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?
The trolley situation in AE a big issue. I am surprised that more beds haven't been opened in the short term, say for three to five years, just to solve the problem. Trust is also a big issue. Trust needs to be built between senior and middle mangers within the HSE, between the HSE and the Department of Health, between the HSE and health agencies and, most importantly, between the HSE and the public. Finally, the amalgamation of the various health boards into one corporate body was always going to be problematic. The expectations of the public and the media have not been managed properly.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
My family and close friends.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Cycling or walking from our holiday home in France to the nearby villages through vineyards and olive groves, with the Pyrenees in the background.
What trait do you most value in your friends?
Willingness to talk about real issues, warts and all, as well as a sense of fun.
What is your most unhealthy habit?
Eating too many muffins, scones and fatty foods.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Buying and visiting our holiday home in France.
How do you relax?
I run around Belfield campus twice a week with my brother and a friend. I also coach first and second class in Kill o' the Grange National School in Dublin.
Do you use alternative/ complementary medicines or therapies?
No, but I would if I needed to.
What is your earliest memory?
My sister Ruth teaching me in her pretend school when we were young. She later became a teacher.
What talent would you most like to have?
To be able to play football like Cesc Fàbregas who plays for Arsenal and Spain.
What is your most treasured possession?
My health, my family and my house in France.
What other career might you have chosen?
All things being equal, a footballer or sports journalist.
What books or films have inspired you?
Dostevsky's Brothers Karamazov, Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis and We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver are all books that I loved reading.
When it comes to films it is Cinema Paradiso.