Late BBC broadcaster Stephen Walker was ‘brilliant without needing you to notice’ says fellow political journalist

The author of five books, Stephen had a track record as an award winning journalist with over three decades broadcasting experience with the BBC.

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.

The First Minister and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly described him as "a hugely respected and dedicated professional", while sending their deepest sympathies to his wife Katrin, daughter Grace and sons Gabriel and Jack.

TUV leader Jim Allister said he was "saddened" by the death of the former Ballymena Academy pupil, highlighting both his professional achievements and his devotion to his family.

"Stephen excelled in his career of journalism, attaining many awards, but above all he was a family man and it is his wife and family that I first think of at this sad time,” he said.

Former Sinn Fein MLA Martina Anderson also recalled Stephen's work, saying his death was "such sad news".

"Only two weeks ago he reviewed my book Choosing the Struggle,” she said. “His review and critique meant a lot to me then. Today, they mean even more as it may have been one of the last reviews he wrote."

Belfast Telegraph Political Editor Suzanne Breen, meanwhile, said he was very different to most people in politics.

"Stephen Walker spent a career around power, politics and people who wanted to be heard," she said. "Yet he was the opposite of noise. He was thoughtful, curious, kind and fiercely decent. Brilliant without needing you to notice. One of the good guys, and one of the very best journalists."

Former Irish Senator Máiría Cahill said she was "desperately sorry" to hear the news, describing him as "a great journalist, and writer, and he was very kind to us and many others".

And Wallace Thompson, a founding member of the DUP, attended an event in the Europa Hotel in October where Stephen spoke about his biography of David Trimble.

"I had a lovely conversation with him and he subsequently kept in touch with me after my stroke,” he said. “A gentleman."

That sense of personal warmth was also reflected by Alliance Minister Andrew Muir, who said Stephen was "not just a superb journalist and author but, most importantly, a man devoted to his family who will be sorely missed".

"It was always a real privilege to be in his company, a kind and generous professional who excelled in his career always able to use a bit of wit to bring levity when needed."

BBC Northern Ireland Business Correspondent Clodagh Rice recalled that kindness from her own early days at the BBC.

"I used to sit beside him in my early days at the BBC and he was supportive, kind and funny,” she said.

Ex-Alliance leader John Cushnahan also remembered his professional and personal qualities, describing him as "an outstanding journalist and a courteous and warm human being who will be sorely missed".

Gerard Lawlor, CEO of the Northern Ireland Football League, meanwhile, described him as “someone who genuinely cared about local football” and “a hugely passionate Ballymena United supporter”.