Fionan O Cuinneagain is On the Couch this week.
Occupation: Chief executive, Irish College of General Practitioners.
Personal/family: Married to Anne, we have two adult children, Fiachra and Aislinn.
What figure from the world of medicine/health do you most admire?
Eoin O'Malley for his vision and intellect, and James McCormick for his questioning and independent thinking.
What other career might you have chosen?
A political adviser! The science of politics fascinates me. The political adviser seems to have the best of both worlds - influence without ultimate responsibility.
If you were appointed Minister for Health, what would be your first priority?
Place the care of the elderly in the community at the core of policy. Return to the elderly the dignity, respect and genuine care to which they are entitled.
Do you have a phobia/what is your greatest fear?
That maybe someday the powers that be will realise that general practice, primary and community care are the backbone of the health services and invest accordingly!
Have you ever been a patient and were you a good one?
Yes and of course. I couldn't communicate as at the age of six, coming from an Irish-speaking family, I had no English.
What three books would you bring to a desert island?
Down Under by Bill Bryson; Churchill by Roy Jenkins; and Wild Swans by Jung Chang.
Have you a fail-safe method of dealing with stress?
I don't get overly stressed. I walk the dogs regularly, visit the gym now and again and (try) play the odd game of golf.
What is your favourite TV or radio programme?
Questions & Answers and Prime Time when I gain access to the television. I enjoy Off the Shelf with Andy O'Mahony and the Today programme on Radio 4.
If you did not live in Ireland, where would you choose to spend the rest of your life?
Having recently visited Australia I could definitely live there and explore its vast and varied terraine.
Summarise yourself in over 12 words.
Good humoured, calm, tenacious, stoical, optimistic, loyal, dedicated, occasionally cynical and I don't take myself too seriously.
Do you use alternative medicine/therapies?
No. Laughter is the best medicine.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Father Ted, Dublin wit at a GAA match (when losing), Tribunal tapes (if it wasn't so serious).