ON THE COUCH:Frank Gannon is director general of Science Foundation Ireland
Family/personal:
Married to Mary with two daughters: Elaine (24) and Michelle (22).
Which living person do you most admire and why?
Pierre Chambon, a French scientist I worked with for six years. He succeeded in building a world-leading research institute in Strasbourg (an unlikely place at the time) and has inspired many of those who have worked with him to carry on his high standards when setting up their own labs.
What do you regard as the top three problems facing Ireland's health system?
Converting the money provided into a service to match this investment, reconnecting with the public to ensure they know that a top-quality service is provided and achieving a focus of skills to optimise the chances for those with illness.
What is your greatest extravagance?
International holidays.
What is your most unhealthy habit?
Failing to take time off to relax.
How do you relax?
Watching sport, live if possible, Sligo Rovers, if I am extremely lucky.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
All those who have worked in my lab over the years.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Sitting on a beach as the sun sets listening to classical music with a book to read.
What trait do you most value in your friends?
Intelligence and an ability to discuss a wide range of topics.
What talent would you most like to have?
To play any sport.
Do you use alternative/complementary medicines or therapies?
No.
What is your earliest memory?
The arrival home of my newborn sister Lucia.
What is your most treasured possession?
A bust of Daniel O'Connell I received from my mother.
What other career might you have chosen?
Law, because it requires the same logic as science does, or a football manager because I constantly give advice to the teams on the TV.
What books or films have inspired you?
The poems I learned at school; they contained many gems of wisdom that keep coming back to me today.
In conversation with Fiona Tyrrell