ON THE COUCH:Linda Desmond is chief executive of Carelocal, a charity which uses volunteers to help older people remain living in their own homes
Family/personal:
From Northampton, Massachusetts, US. I moved to Ireland three years ago.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
Barack Obama. Having lived in southern America in the 60s, I saw the severe problems that were caused by the total disregard for social justice and human rights. When I think of what Barack has achieved, I have admiration and gratitude that America finally understands the social values on which it was founded.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland’s health system?
There is not enough funding available for community-based services for older people. There is no legislation that guarantees provision for home helps, meals service and other necessary support services for older people. Finally, there are insufficient beds available in community hospitals.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Travel – I have children in the US and England. I would travel to a different place every weekend if possible.
What is your most unhealthy habit?
I acknowledge that I am a chocolate addict.
How do you relax?
I read.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Barack Obama would be my first choice.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I don’t think I could find perfect happiness unless everyone else was perfectly happy. My son calls that my martyr complex.
What trait do you most value in your friends?
They have to be liberal in their political views. I also highly value loyalty.
What talent would you most like to have?
I wish I could be a charismatic public speaker.
Do you use alternative/ complementary medicines or therapies?
Yes, when Western medicine does not respond to my needs.
What is your earliest memory?
My earliest memory was when I was in a store with my father. A heavy older boy stepped on my foot. My father picked up the boy and told him to apologise to me.
What is your most treasured possession?
A personal note from John F Kennedy to my father, who was a councillor in Northampton, thanking him for his help in Kennedy winning the Massa- chusetts congressional seat.
What other career might you have chosen?
I think I would have liked to have worked with children.
What books or films have inspired you?
Last year the BBC completed a documentary about an older people's chorus called Young at Heartfrom my home town. I have been watching this group change people's lives for 25 years.