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Taoiseach Micheál Martin has paid tribute to Tommie Gorman of RTÉ, who is retiring from the organization after 41 years.
Gorman will leave his position as editor of the north in the spring, when Vincent Kearney takes over.
Martin described Gorman as “the quintessential professional who earned the trust of everyone who dealt with him.”
“He understood better than most the possibilities that politics offered and the compromises necessary to move forward,” Martin said.
“It brought us the daily news of an ongoing peace process. It was an essential part of that process.
“His versatility and wisdom always shone through. His knowledge of details and mastery of his subjects was unmatched.
The Taoiseach said Gorman “has left a powerful journalistic legacy that underscores the centrality of precision, humanity and confidence that were his hallmarks.
“After a 41-year career at RTÉ News as Editor of Europe and the North, Tommie leaves knowing that the Irish people will always hold him in high regard and affection.
“I wish him all the best in retirement and his successor Vincent Kearney every success in the role,” Martin said.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar tweeted: “Tommie, we will miss you. It is the end of an era, of award-winning reporting on EU affairs, and in-depth and innovative analysis of Northern Ireland politics. The hand of history was in your shoulder. Enjoy your retirement. You deserve every second. “
Tommie, we will miss you. It is the end of an era of award-winning reporting on EU affairs and an in-depth and innovative analysis of Northern Ireland politics. The hand of the story was on your shoulder. Enjoy your retirement. You deserve every second. congratulations @vincekearney https://t.co/MWKaZQwEDw
– Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) January 29, 2021
Vincent Kearney named northern editor of RTÉ
Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Twitter: “We will all miss the great Tommie Gorman,” adding: “I want to wish Vincent Kearney the best … I look forward to working with him.”
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: “Tommie has provided decades of selfless service to the people of this island, reporting on some of the worst aspects of our recent history, but always seeking to tell human stories about the infinite possibilities for our peace. .
“I have always been particularly grateful for his commitment to telling the stories of the people of Derry and I know that the people of this city hold him in high regard as a result.”
Jon Williams, Managing Director of RTÉ News and Current Affairs, said: “For 41 years, from Brussels to Belfast, via Sligo and Saipan, Tommie Gorman has been the heart of RTÉ News.
“He has earned the trust of the public, north and south, and all sides of Northern Ireland, by telling his story, sharing his views and championing RTE’s role as an island-wide news organization.” .
The journalist, a lifelong fan of the Sligo Rovers football club, also received best wishes from his favorite team.
“Tommie is the proudest Rovers fan and someone we are proud to have as a loyal supporter throughout his life. We wish him a happy retirement after a career of more than four decades,” the club said on Twitter.
“There will never be a #bite retreat for one of our own.”
Gorman was RTE’s editor for Europe before moving to Belfast in 2001.
He interviewed Roy Keane after the footballer’s fight with coach Mick McCarthy at the Republic of Ireland 2002 Japan World Cup training ground on the island of Saipan.
“The country would also love you and would do a lot to boost the morale of children who will never have a chance,” he told the soccer star.
Gorman also located the poet Seamus Heaney on a Greek island after winning the Nobel Prize for Literature.
He was diagnosed with cancer in 1994. A few years later, Gorman told the Irish Examiner: “Since my diagnosis, work has been the ultimate distraction.
“You can lose yourself in work, you can lose yourself in life. You need to dedicate yourself to life.”
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