​Henry McDonald: Political figures pay tribute to News Letter journalist who has died

​Political figures were among the first to pay tribute to Henry McDonald on social media following news of his death on Sunday evening.
By Mark Rainey
Published 19th Feb 2023, 22:51 BST
Updated 20th Feb 2023, 07:41 BST
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DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: "Henry was an excellent journalist and one of the most knowledgeable commentators on Northern Ireland politics.

"I always enjoyed my conversations with a man who was good humoured, insightful and passionate about this place.”

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DUP MLA Diane Forsythe also said she was “devastated” to learn of Henry’s death.

"Genuine, kind-hearted and professional… especially in dealing with the most sensitive issues,” she said.

Doug Beattie, the Ulster Unionist leader, said: “Genuinely sadden to hear that Henry McDonald has passed away. A fantastic journalist, author & friend.”

Alliance leader Naomi Long tweeted: “So sorry to learn of the death of Henry McDonald.

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“He was a tenacious and perceptive journalist with a quick wit. He will be desperately missed. Thoughts with all his family and friends, grieving his loss.”

DUP MLA Diane Forsythe is one of a number of political figures who have paid tribute to the News Letter's Henry McDonald following his deathDUP MLA Diane Forsythe is one of a number of political figures who have paid tribute to the News Letter's Henry McDonald following his death
DUP MLA Diane Forsythe is one of a number of political figures who have paid tribute to the News Letter's Henry McDonald following his death

UUP MLA and former journalist Mike Nesbitt said: “Shocked to hear Henry McDonald has died. Wasn’t prepared for that sad news. He never pestered me, but he always asked the right, penetrating questions. A great journalist.”

Tributes are paid to Henry McDonald, News Letter journalist, who is dead at 57

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/people/tributes-are-paid-to-henry-mcdonald-news-letter-journalist-who-is-dead-at-57-4033224

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Henry McDonald: tributes pour in following death of journalist and author

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/people/henry-mcdonald-tributes-pour-in-following-death-of-journalist-and-author-4033259

Henry McDonald death: Cliftonville mourns one of Solitude's familiar faces

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/people/henry-mcdonald-death-cliftonville-mourns-one-of-solitudes-familiar-faces-4033257

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Henry McDonald was 'a straight reporter' whose writing embraced 'fundamentals of good journalism' says ex-Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger

https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/people/henry-mcdonald-was-a-straight-reporter-whose-writing-embraced-fundamentals-of-good-journalism-says-ex-guardian-editor-alan-rusbridger-4033250

Related topics:Jeffrey DonaldsonDUPNaomi LongDoug Beattie