Ann Marie PartOccupation: Principal Environmental Health Officer, deputy chairwoman of the Environmental Health Officers' Association
Personal/Family: Married to Robert - we have twins Brendan and Michael (6 ½) and Molly (5)
Who from the world of medicine/health do you most admire?
All nursing staff, particularly those working with older people.
What other career might you have chosen?
History/politics or a law degree. I'm still very interested in those areas but I have no regrets, I would recommend environmental health to anyone as a career.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
Professionally, I would say employ more EHOs of course, but on a personal note I would give the medical card to all school children, particular those with asthma. I would also acknowledge carers in the home, they are greatly undervalued.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
I don't have any phobias; I'd be in the wrong job if I was afraid of rats and creepy crawlies!
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
I have been very lucky health wise but I would consider myself a good patient.
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
I'm currently reading Edward Rutherfurd's Dublin: Foundation and Rudy Guiliani's Leadership, so that's two accounted for and if I was going to be stranded on a desert island I'd probably opt for an SAS survival manual.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Yes, don't get stressed. I tend to give things 'the death-bed test'; if I wouldn't worry about it on my death-bed, then why worry now?
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
I love 5-7 Live with Rachel English, the West Wing, ER and The Sopranos.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
Italy. The weather, food, wine, history, culture and people have always appealed to me.
Summarise yourself in 12 words.
Open, optimistic, practical, good humoured - what you see is what you get.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
I haven't had reason to use alternative medicines but I would be open to it.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My children, Ricky Gervais in The Office, Billy Connolly and Tommy Tiernan among others.
(In interview with Dr Muiris Houston)