Sean Love Executive director Amnesty International (Ireland).
Personal/Family: Married to Rebecca, with four children under the age of six, Jake, Ben, Sorcha and Ellen (one month old).
What figure from the world of medicine/health do you most admire?
Prof Muiris FitzGerald and Prof Ciaran Benson, both of UCD, two human rights advocates with global perspective. And Dr John Owens of the Mental Health Commission, a man of vision and dedication.
What other career might you have chosen?
Something artistic, probably music or film.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
To champion an approach that starts from the fact that we all have a fundamental human right to the highest attainable standard of healthcare, and challenge the myths being promoted by some Government Ministers and commentators who oppose this approach.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
No phobias. Anything bad happening to my children.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, I have had diabetes since I was 13. I think I was a good patient, have never had any problems (touch wood), and I have never allowed it to limit my life in any way.
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
Tolstoy's Anna Karenina; Roddy Doyle's Paddy Clark Ha Ha Ha; and (if the desert island has any computer facilities) an online subscription to the writings of Tom Humphries.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
I play football.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Tom Dunne's Pet Sounds on Today FM.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
Italy.
Summarise yourself in 12 words?
Idealistic, honest, hard working, team player, driven, good fun...
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
No, but only because I don't tend to get ailments. My only health issue is diabetes for which there is no acceptable alternative medicine/therapy.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My children and Tommy Tiernan, Billy Connolly, Aprés Match, Michael McDowell, and The Office and Father Ted.