Marie-Louise O’Donnell, Senator

Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?

I think I have, I imagine I have, I’d like to have, but realistically, I don’t think so. I have a lot of natural energy and that would make me think I am living a healthy lifestyle.

How often do you exercise?

I try to walk in the evenings or during lunchtime and I’m going to try to walk into the Senate now. I’m at the age where I’m not going to be running around the place. I don’t like gyms and I don’t really understand people who go on walking machines, watching television when you have the air and rain of Ireland.

Do you get your five a day?

Not at all, are you joking me? I think people who say yes to that aren’t telling the truth. I’d say that I’d get two to three a day. I love vegetables, but I think the fruit in Ireland is very bad; it’s nearly rotten when you buy it.

Do you worry?

Absolutely, all the time. You were reared with the idea that worry was an intelligent thing to do. I never worry about finance or that there are obstacles I can’t get over. The worry would be more that I would be giving my best. Recently, I might have worried a little bit about health because one or two friends got very ill and passed away, so it does give you a sense of your mortality and I’d worry a little about that.

What do you do to relax?

I read, I go out to the theatre. If I’m sitting in the theatre, I get absolutely caught up with its genius and its imagination. Walking I find can help you with all your worries, they dissipate by the time you are half an hour down the road. And there’s nothing like good conversation and a bottle of Pinot Grigio.

What’s your unhealthiest habit?

It’s ice cream. Any kind of ice cream, but especially homemade Irish ice cream.