Louise O'Reilly, national nursing official at Siptu
Family/personal:Married to Ciarán, with one daughter, Dyllen (12).
Which living person do you most admire and why?
Dr David Hickey. Apart from the fact that he has played inter-county football for Dublin, won at All-Ireland level and achieved all star-status, he is a renowned surgeon who works tirelessly to highlight the serious impact that the US blockade on Cuba has on its people.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing the Republic's health system?
Lack of consultation with frontline staff on changes, creeping privatisation and the fact that high numbers of nurses in training have indicated their intention not to enter the nursing profession when they graduate - ongoing issues in recruiting and retaining nurses and midwives is a major problem for the Irish health service and failure to address this will have very grave implications.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
My husband Ciarán, Deirdre O'Kane, author of No LogoNaomi Klein, Nelson Mandela, Tony Benn, feminist and trade union activist Sylvia Meehan, my father Mick O'Reilly and Barbara Kelly, who is a public relations official with SIPTU.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Being on Hill 16 on a Sunday afternoon in September.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Books and shoes.
What is your most unhealthy habit?
Drinking too much coffee.
How do you relax?
Walking or at home with my family.
What trait do you most value in your friends?
I am lucky to still have friends I grew up with and so I would have to say I value their perseverance and tolerance.
What talent would you most like to have?
I would love to be able to play the guitar.
Do you use alternative/ complementary medicines or therapies?
Yes. I use arnica and have used acupuncture in the past.
What is your earliest memory?
Being in Carnsore Point with my parents at an anti-nuclear protest.
What is your most treasured possession?
Photos of my daughter with my late grandmother.
What other career might you have chosen?
Politician or journalist.