Enda McClafferty appointed Political Editor at BBC NI

Enda has been covering politics in Northern Ireland for 20 years and has worked as a political correspondent since 2016.

He takes over the role from Mark Devenport who left the BBC in October.

Adam Smyth, Head of BBC News NI said: “We are delighted to appoint a broadcaster of Enda’s ability to one of the biggest roles in Northern Ireland journalism. He comes from a stable of first class political journalists in the BBC News team and is justly held in high esteem for his commitment to impartiality and his superb analysis.”

Enda started his career with BBC Northern Ireland in March 2000. He presented BBC Radio Foyle’s award-winning Breakfast programme and worked as a reporter on BBC NI’s Spotlight, as well as a stand in presenter on all of BBC Radio Ulster’s Current Affairs programmes and The Nolan Show.

He was also nominated two years running as News Presenter of the year at the Irish Radio Awards.

On the day the Saville Report was published Enda was the anchor on BBC New NI’s The Bloody Sunday programme. This was a six-hour programme live from the Guildhall and was nominated for a Sony Radio Academy Award. Before joining the BBC Enda was a reporter with the Belfast Telegraph from 1995 to 2000.

Enda said: “I’m looking forward to taking on the role of Political Editor. It’s a fascinating time in politics as we emerge from the pandemic and navigate our way through the outcome of Brexit. There is a great team in the Politics unit and we look forward to keeping audiences up to date with the latest stories affecting their lives.”

“It was a privilege to work alongside our previous Political Editor Mark Devenport and he has left big shoes to fill.”

Born in Donegal, Enda is married to artist Marina and has three daughters, twins Kellie and Jade, and Chloe.