The shape I’m in: Liz O’Donnell, chairwoman for the Road Safety Authority

LIZ O’DONNELL says she’s enjoying her “very challenging” role as chairwoman of the Road Safety Authority. 

“I’m following in the footsteps of Gay Byrne who put the organisation on the map in terms of advocacy for road safety.

“I hope I can make a similar contribution,” says the former politician, who “met Gay to get a brief from him as outgoing chair”.

The challenge in road safety she says is to keep the message consistent.

“We’ve had a very good decade of bringing down figures for fatalities on our roads. It’s because of better roads and cars and a lot of education and awareness-raising.

"But we’ve seen a slight increase [in fatalities] in recent years. It shows we can’t take our foot off the pedal when it comes to keeping people aware of road safety,” she says.

A TD until 2007, O’Donnell says she misses the “substance of politics”. However, there are elements she’s glad to be away from.

“I don’t miss the long hours or the toxic stuff. I had a good innings. I was in politics at an interesting time in the development of the country. It was a privilege to be involved in the peace process and in international aid. But I’m quite content now to have rolled up my tent.”

She has previously cited the combining of politics with raising her two children as the biggest challenge of her career.

Mother to Laura and Robert, now in their late 20s, she says: “Politics is very all-embracing and preoccupying. It’s difficult to break away from. I did my best. But there were a few periods where I allowed my health to wear down,” she says.

Her advice to women mixing demanding careers with bringing up children?

“You just do your best. You try to look after yourself. Women put a lot of work into their career and into their family — they forget the workhorse that is the woman.”

What shape are you in?

I could be better with a bit of effort. That extra half stone or so is the killer — I need to lose 10lbs. I’m joining a gym this week. I’ve just had a total MOT — I had the full range of cardiac tests, a calcium score test and so on.

Both my parents had cardiac disease so it’s in the family. I was happily surprised by my test results. For exercise, I walk my two dogs, Bella and Rua — they’re ruby cavaliers.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I’m religious about having breakfast. I make sure to eat it every morning. I have porridge with linseeds and blueberries. I don’t snack.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

I don’t drink so much wine now. I’m not that keen on it. But when I go to Spain, I like to have a red wine there. I love cheese and chocolate, which is beloved of all women.

What would keep you awake at night?

Like most parents, I worry about my children. They’re adults but I still worry about them.

How do you relax?

I walk Dun Laoghaire Pier a couple of times a week with the dogs. I go to the park and I like walking on beaches. I’m lucky enough to live by the sea in Blackrock.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I love politics so I’d have Hillary and Bill Clinton, especially after her nomination for the presidential election. My partner, John, would have to be there because he’s into politics too. I’d invite Mary Harney and Brian Geoghegan — they’re mad political people as well.

What’s your favourite smell?

I love lavender and jasmine. I have both in my garden so they remind me of home.

What would you change about your appearance?

Saying goodbye to the half stone that just won’t budge.

When did you last cry?

My dear mother passed away last May. I’ve shed a few tears this year on that account.

What trait do you least like in others?

I can’t stand people who sit on the fence, who are afraid to express a view, stick to it and defend it.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I tend to worry quite a bit. I can get overwhelmed by worry. I wish I wasn’t a worrier but I am. Some people can glide through life without concern. I’m not one of them.

Do you pray?

Yes, I do. These days it’s mostly to my parents who have passed away. I do feel close to the other side. My father died in 2009. I miss them both.

What cheers up your day?

I love when the weather is bright with blue skies. I love walking on fresh, sunny days.