Tim O'Malley Occupation: Pharmacist, and Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Mental Health, Disability Services and Food Safety.
Personal/Family: Married to Peg, with four adult family, Deirdre, Sheila, Diarmuid and Tadhg.
What figure from the world of medicine/health do you most admire?
Dr Christian Barnard.
What other career might you have chosen?
Medicine.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
Equal access for all patients to all health services.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
No - missing a 1-foot putt.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
I have been blessed with good health but I would not be a good patient.
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
Nelson Mandela's Autobiography Cry Freedom; Tuesdays with Morrie, Gulliver's Travels.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
I try to do physical exercise every day, i.e. walking and golf.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
All current affairs programmes that are done fairly and objectively.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
Ballybunion in the Kingdom of Kerry!
Summarise yourself in under 12 words.
I enjoy life and try always to look for the positives.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
I have never had any requirement for alternative medicine or therapies, but I certainly would be interested in experimenting with some if there was data to support safety and efficiency.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Brendan Grace, Jon Kenny and Pat Short, Yes Minister!
(In interview with Dr Muiris Houston)