Joe T Mooney, Director, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Personal/family: Married to Ashling.
What figure from the world of medicine/ health do you most admire?
Any health professionals who are researching into a cure or treatment for muscular dystrophy.
What other career might you have chosen?
I had often thought of a career in politics or PR.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
To develop quality services to people with all disabilities nationwide.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
To be trapped in a corner.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, I often was a patient and I feel I was a good one.
What books would you bring to a desert island?
Funniest thing you never said by Rosemaire Jarski, a survival book on how to survive in the desert, and a copy of the Reader's Digest.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Yes, going to Donegal for a long weekend.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
The Bill and Fair City and listening to the Strawberry Alarm Clock on FM104 going to work in the morning.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
Spain without doubt.
Summarise yourself in about 12 words.
Reasonable, tolerant, realistic, dependable, lovable, intelligent, artistic, loyal, good sense of humour and, of course, good looking.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
Yes, my wife is an aromatherapist.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Brendan Grace, my friends and, of course, my wife.
In interview with Dr Muiris Houston