Carrie Lam, often viewed by political figures and the public as the 'Iron Lady', confesses that her public service exacts a heavy toll on her. Since 2006, she's been living alone in Hong Kong, apart from her husband and two sons who live in the UK. She's lonely. Things changed for her after she has become the number two official in the government. "I feel I can't go on this way after becoming chief secretary for administration. When I feel tired after a lot of work, I need a shoulder to rely on," she said, showing a tender side not often seen.

Former chief executive Donald Tsang referred to her as a "strong fighter", paying tribute to her strength of character, capabilities, problem-solving skills and no-nonsense style. People don't often think of her tender side. And yet, right near the top of her agenda now are her plans to take a break before Christmas.

She'll be off to Cambridge to spend 10 days with her family.

After that, she will return to Hong Kong to immerse herself again in her heavy work schedule, including public consultations for universal suffrage for the Chief Executive election in 2017.

"I have been away from my family for a long time since returning to Hong Kong from London to take up the post of permanent secretary for home affairs in 2006," she said. "I felt it was all right because I could concentrate on my work. At the same time, my husband could focus on research work and stay close to our two sons, who have grown up and entered university."

The New Year, however, brings Lam something else to look forward to. Her husband will come back to Hong Kong and live here, while their sons continue their education abroad.

(HK Edition 10/11/2013 page8)