Former RTÉ Editor Jim Dougal dies
RTÉ's former Northern Editor Jim Dougal has died at the age of 65.
Mr Dougal had been battling cancer for some time.
Born in Belfast, Mr Dougal had a distinguished career in journalism and worked as RTÉ's Northern Editor from the late 1970s until 1991.
He moved from RTÉ to become BBC Northern Ireland's political correspondent.
Mr Dougal was also the European Commission's spokesperson in Belfast and later became head of the Commission's UK office in London.
He resigned from that post in 2004 after he took issue with the Commission's communications policy.
Since then, he had been involved in broadcasting and media training in Northern Ireland.
Mr Dougal had a prominent role in UTV's coverage of recent Westminster and European elections.
He had just finished making a programme on the life and times of former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
He is survived by his wife, Deirdre, their three daughters and a son.
TributesMinister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has expressed his condolences to Mr Dougal's family.
Minister Martin said: 'Jim was a gifted journalist with great political insight, and one who conducted himself with complete professionalism throughout his long career.'
In a statement, RTÉ also paid tribute to journalist.
Managing Director of RTÉ News Ed Mulhall said: 'He was a hugely significant figure in Irish broadcasting and journalism. As the station's Northern Editor from 1979 until 1991, he led RTÉ's coverage through some of the most difficult and dangerous years of the Troubles.
'He was a distinguished journalist and was widely respected as a fair and authoritative commentator on events in Northern Ireland during that period. Our sincere condolences go to his wife Deirdre and their four children.'
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said: 'I have known Jim Dougal for many many years, from his time in RTÉ, through his years in the BBC and more recently as a commentator on UTV.
'Most recently of course, Jim chaired one the party leaders debates during the last Westminster election campaign.
'Jim was a political journalist whose integrity and professionalism could never be questioned and despite his illness in recent years he continued to work and to contribute.
'On behalf of Sinn Féin I would wish to extend my condolences to Jim's family and colleagues at this difficult time.'
Alliance Party Leader and Northern Ireland Justice Minister David Ford also paid tribute to the broadcaster.
Mr Ford said: 'Jim was a very accomplished journalist and had an excellent career working within the European Commission, BBC, UTV and RTÉ.
'The sheer breadth of his achievements illustrates his talent and expertise in both politics and the media.'
SDLP Leader Margaret Ritchie described Mr Dougal as 'an immense figure in Irish journalism'.
Ms Ritchie said: 'On screen he was a broadcasting giant - never shirking or shying away from asking the difficult questions.
'But off screen he was a true gentleman - never short of a kind word or a piece of advice and encouragement.'
Source:-
RTÉ News
http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/1015/dougalj.html