Olivia Mitchell, TD, Fine Gael spokeswoman on transport

Where did you go to school?

I went to the Dominican College on Dublin's Eccles Street.

What was your best subject?

English.

What was your worst subject?

Physical education

If you could put a new subject on the Leaving Cert, what would it be?

I think that all students should be offered the chance to study information and communications technology and environmental studies.

What was your earliest career ambition?

I really wanted to be a trapeze artist in a circus.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?

My French teacher was inspirational and imparted a love of French culture, literature, art and architecture, as well as love of the language.

Who was your childhood idol?

The actress Audrey Hepburn.

Who was your best friend?

A girl called Gabrielle.

What is she doing now?

Last I heard, she married a German.

What TV programme/film most reminds you of your schooldays?

The Late Late Showwith Gay Byrne.

What song most reminds you of your schooldays?

Love Me Doby The Beatles.

What food most reminds you of your schooldays?

Rice with jam, and brown bread with caraway seeds.

What was your school uniform like?

Wine tunic, cream blouse, not the worst ever!

What's the boldest thing you ever did in school?

You could not publish it.

Who did you bring to your debs?

His name was Dermot and he had a motorbike which I thought was cool. I am afraid we lost touch.

What was your most memorable holiday?

At Lake Maggiore in Italy.

What's the last book you read?

A Game with Sharpened Knivesby Neil Belton.

Did you go to college and if so, what did you study?

I went to Trinity College Dublin and studied economics and politics.

Would you send your own children to the same school that you went to?

No. They both went to the German school, St Killians. My son went through from Kindergarten to Leaving Cert, but my daughter went to Alex for second level.

What was the best thing about your education?

The Dominican nuns.

What was the worst thing about your education?

I never took a science subject and I have always regretted it.