Esther-Mary D'Arcy: Occupation: Partnership facilitator, chartered physiotherapist, president of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists
Personal & Family: Live in Co Galway with husband Gordon (not the rugby player!)
What figure from the world of health/medicine do you most admire?
Due to his decision to introduce a national workplace smoking ban, I would chose Micháel Martin, Minister for Health and Children. I think it was the single greatest health promotion decision made by an Irish health minister and it will impact positively on both the quality of life and the health of the Irish people. I greatly admire Cecily Kelleher, former Professor of Health Promotion (NUI Galway), for her contribution to health through health promotion.
What other career might you have chosen? Physiotherapy again, otherwise architecture
If you were appointed Minister for Health what would be your first priority?
Immediate access for all people to treatment when their condition first develops would be the overall aim but first I would introduce multi-annual budgeting to facilitate better planning of health services.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
Cats; domestic variety only.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, and yes
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
Les Misérables, by Victor Hugo, The Natural History of the Burren, by Gordon D'Arcy and Pears Cyclopaedia
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Numerous: a five-mile walk every day; living where I live - in the West of Ireland; visiting the Burren and Morans of the Weir
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Only watch two programmes a week, of which ER is the favourite
If you did not live in Ireland where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
Corsica - for its pace of life, people, scenery, incredible history and numerous great walks
Summarise yourself in 12 words?
Positive, pernickety, optimistic, process orientated, fortunate, lover of fun, change and exercise.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
Occasionally
Who or what makes you laugh?
All the people who make me really laugh are men - my husband, Bill Bryson, Bob Newhart, Jacques Tati, Bob Hope and Dermot Morgan.