Joe Kelly
Occupation: Chief executive officer of Harlequin Health Care, which owns and manages St Joseph's Hospital in Sligo and Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny.
Personal/family: Married to Annette with one daughter, Maeve (14).
What figure from the world of medicine or health do you most admire?
I really admire pioneering and single-minded people like Dr Noel Brown, who thought outside the box and was out on the edge, but was very committed and determined. I also admire Dr James Sheehan of the Blackrock Clinic, Galway Clinic and Hermitage.
What other career might you have chosen?
I retired from the army in 1991, but another career I would have liked was journalism.
If you could grant three wishes for the health service, what would they be?
I would eliminate overnight all waiting lists, particularly those for elective procedures. The National Treatment Purchase Fund is a very innovative programme and I would expand it. I would also initiate closer integration between the independent sector and the public sector.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is Thunder Mountain, the highest and biggest ride in Disneyland, which my daughter keeps trying to persuade me to go on.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
I was a patient in Sligo General Hospital when I broke my leg playing football. I think I was a good patient.
When or where are you happiest?
Personally I am happiest when I am on holidays with my family in Provence. On a professional basis, I am happiest when I'm working with a team of people and a plan falls into place.
How do you cope with stress?
I do a lot of jogging, I meditate and do some yoga.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
I am very driven, passionate, positive and persistent.
What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
Sometimes I can be very intolerant, particularly when a plan doesn't come together or when I encounter bureaucracy or people who stonewall.
Do you use alternative or complementary medicine or therapies?
Yes, I use acupuncture which I find brilliant for relaxation and also for sports injuries such as a hamstring injury I had. I also couldn't live without my chiropractor who takes care of other old sports injuries.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My daughter Maeve is a fantastic mimic. She captures people and situations down to a T including myself.
What is your motto?
Do unto others as you would like done unto you.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
The Sunday Game when Galway are on it, The Premiership Live and Only Fools and Horses.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
I love anything by Deepak Chopra or Anthony De Mello.
(Interview by Fiona Tyrrell)