David Dunseith Dies At 76

Veteran BBC broadcaster and journalist, David Dunseith, has died at the age of 76.

With a career in reportage spanning four decades, David was best known as host for BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme, which he presented for almost 20 years.

Alliance Leader David Ford MLA was the first of the main political parties to offer his condolences on Friday morning, describing Mr Dunseith who died on Thursday night as "an institution".

"He reflected the feelings of the whole community and treated everybody with respect. He played his part in helping make our society open and shared. His professionalism and his legendary radio style made him a firm favourite in many households.

"He was an example of modern broadcasting at its best who set a high standard to others in his trade. He will be sorely be missed on the radio airways."

Speaking to the BBC this morning, First Minister Peter Robinson described him as "the consummate professional".

"His remarkable twenty-year tenure of the Talkback programme was testament to his powerful interview techniques and his wonderful journalistic instinct.

"David's passing is a great loss to the world of journalism and to Northern Ireland and I would like to pass my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

David's award winning Talkback programme, which he presented from 1989, was an ever-present sounding-board that spanned the worst of the troubles, cease fires and the formation of today's Stormont Assembly.

David retired from BBC NI this year, taking up on a new show on Radio Ulster presenting Seven Days on Sunday afternoons.

This morning, a number of David's colleagues have offered their condolences. Gerry Anderson, BBC Radio Ulster presenter said: "David Dunseith was a consummate gentleman and was one of the finest of broadcasters I had the privilege to know. I'm so very sorry to hear that he has passed away."

Peter Johnston, Director of BBC Northern Ireland, described him as "a true legend of the airwaves".

"As host of the iconic programme Talkback, he became a true legend of the airwaves and was much loved by listeners from all walks of life.

"He conducted interviews in a searching and robust manner, always with courtesy and good humour. We honour his contribution to the success of one of our flagship programmes.

"He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and loyal audiences who he has served for the best part of his life. Our thoughts are with his family on this sad occasion."

(DW/GK)