Matt Merrigan, National industrial secretary of SIPTU.
Personal & Family: Married to Deirdre, Two daughters - Michelle and Louise.
What figure from the world of health/medicine do you most admire?
Noel Browne and Micheál Martin who fought against the tide and advanced people's health despite the vested interests of the church, State and business, in the assault on TB and smoking in the workplace.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
Abolish the two-tier health service and plot to get the Taoiseach's job.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
Immersion under water.
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes, and I told the doctors what to do.
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
Complete the book on Matt Merrigan Snr., any book by Tom Clancy and report on 9/11.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
Transfer all stress to any available civil/public servant.
What is your favourite TV/radio programme?
Only Fools & Horses (Del Boy) and any soccer programme.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
USA - the biggest open asylum in the world - home from home!
Summarise yourself in 12 words.
Quote from Max: "Sharp tongued, badly dressed socialist who believes in the rights of trade unionists." Quote from Catherine (in office): "Big softie behind the big mouth."
Who or what makes you laugh:
Listening to the football and pensioners group taking the mickey out of me over embarrassing moments on our soccer travels.