Tributes Paid After Journalist Killed In Crash In The Middle East

Tributes have been paid after a journalist from Northern Ireland was killed in a traffic accident in the Middle East.

Austin Hunter was a former BBC reporter and editor of the News Letter.

Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, said: "When we first met at the BBC, Austin was a great fan of cricket and reported for Sportsound when I was a presenter at BBC NI Sport. We both went on to work for BBC News and Current Affairs and he established a deserved reputation for solid, considered journalism, picking a fine line as he reported at a time of often huge tension and controversy.

"I admired him very much, both as a professional broadcaster and as a fine human being who was always keener on talking about others rather than himself. My thoughts are with the Hunter family at this shocking time."

UUP MLA Danny Kennedy said: "Austin Hunter was a distinguished journalist of the highest standards and also a very fine man. He was an outstanding journalist with the BBC and as Editor at the News Letter.

"Austin covered many stories over the period of The Troubles, not least the story of Kingsmills in which he produced an important documentary which brought to the wider community the full horror of that atrocity.

"He was at all times professional and scrupulously fair. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to his wife and family at this sad time."

Alliance Leader Naomi Long said: "The news of Austin Hunter's death has come as a great shock.

"Austin was a true gentleman and always the professional. I would offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends at this very sad and difficult time."

SDLP MLA Alex Attwood said: "This is truly terrible news. Austin Hunter was a very well regarded and highly engaging figure in the world of journalism for decades.

"The SDLP wishes to send condolences to his family and to his journalism colleagues among whom he was valued."

(CD/JP)