Stephen McMahon - Occupation: Chairman Irish Patients' Association
Personal/Family: Married to Fiona. Two children Simon (17) and Emma (one)
What figure from the world of health/medicine do you most admire?
Hippocrates who I believe is the father of medicine and public health. From the layman's perspective, Geldof and 'Bono' who not only bring the Third World humanitarian issues and challenges to decision makers, but importantly to ordinary men, women and children on the streets around the world.
In Ireland, the white knights around the table who are championing the health reforms, you will excuse me if I don't at this time mention these good, experienced men and women.
What alternative career might you have chosen?
I worked for a multinational oil company for 30 years so I guess I am lucky to be working now in my alternative career!
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
Have present and future patient safety addressed, everywhere, at every level, every day, by all my valued 100,000 staff. This means that quality and safety issues in such areas as clinical, pharmaceutical, management and equity of access will be addressed to get it cost effectively right, for each of the 15 million plus patient consultations per year.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
No phobia. As a parent I suppose my greatest fear is that in our highly interconnected world it is so much more challenging for our children. Despite all their techno toys, I fear that in the area of public health they may lose sight of the reality that nature is always evolving new and sometimes dangerous organisms such as influenza, antibiotic-resistant TB, HIV, AIDS, SARS etc. My fear is of the real impact of such bugs to our "just in time systems" with all its socio-economic effects on us and our children.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes and from my side of the bed yes!
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
My Bible; How to survive on a desert island first time and Fiona would probably slip in a copy of Cecilia Ahern's P.S. I love you!
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Meditation or letting our canine house guest 'Misty' take me on an exploratory walk along Killiney beach.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Antiques Road Show.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
Quinta De Lago Portugal. I'd really be forced to take those golf lessons that I've put off for the past 10 years!
Summarise yourself in 12 words.
Everyday, life is a gift - I live it and do my best.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
No.
Who or what makes you laugh?
My children and their friends, and the ageless TV shows Father Ted, Faulty Towers, Only Fools and Horses and Yes Minister.