Colleagues and politicians across spectrum pay tribute to BBC broadcaster Stephen Walker after his death
Colleagues and politicians across the spectrum have paid tribute to BBC broadcaster Stephen Walker after his death at age 61.
The author of five books, Stephen had a track record as an award winning journalist with over three decades broadcasting experience with the BBC.
He published two landmark biographies in recent years, ‘David Trimble : Peacemaker’ launched just last year, following his successful biography ‘John Hume: The Persuader’ in 2023, regarded as the definitive biography of the former SDLP leader.
As a news reporter, a documentary maker with BBC Spotlight, and BBC Northern Ireland political correspondent, Stephen covered the Troubles, the Peace Process, the Good Friday Agreement and Brexit.
He interviewed prime ministers, political leaders and investigated paramilitaries. His work was honoured by the Royal Television Society, the Irish Film and Television Academy, Prix Circom, the Association of European Journalists and the Communicators in Business Awards.
During his 12 years at Spotlight, he investigated paramilitary figures, rogue salesmen, unscrupulous financial advisors, car clockers and oil and petrol smugglers.
From 2001 to 2003 he was a lobby correspondent based at Westminster and in 2005 he was named as Northern Ireland Journalist of the Year.
Born in England and educated in Northern Ireland, he became a BBC reporter in 1989 with Radio Leeds, before joining BBC Northern Ireland in 1991.
His close friend and former BBC NI colleague Mark Carruthers passed on a message from Walker's family in a post on X.
They said: "He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and son, a fine journalist and author, and the very best of friends.
"We are all heartbroken but grateful for his life so well and fully lived."
Carruthers himself said: "Stephen was an outstanding journalist. He was old-school - interested only in the truth when it came to his professional life.
"He never made the mistake so many others make of thinking the story - whatever it might have been - was about him."
Adam Smyth, director of BBC Northern Ireland, said the organisation was "deeply saddened" to hear of the death.
He added: "Stephen had a gift for simplifying the complex and ensuring viewers, listeners and readers got a better understanding of the politics of Westminster, Belfast and Dublin thanks to his insightful analysis.
Walker was a fanatical football supporter, especially of his hometown team Ballymena United, where he was a season ticket holder.
The club paid tribute saying: "Stephen was a fanatical Sky Blue at heart and a regular supporter of the team both home and away."
Political parties on all sides also expressed their sadness.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill wrote on social media: "Deepest condolences to Stephen's family and friends at this sad time. He was a real gentleman and a pleasure to chat with at all times."
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said: "Stephen was a highly respected journalist and gifted author whose work helped audiences understand Northern Ireland's politics through some of its most momentous decades.
"He had a genuine interest in people and this was reflected in the time he spent building relationships when he worked as the Westminster correspondent for BBC NI."
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said he was "an outstanding journalist and writer who chronicled some of the most significant chapters in our recent history with intelligence, curiosity and great humanity".