SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has paid tribute to former RTÉ Northern Editor Tommie Gorman following news of his passing today.

Colum Eastwood said:

“This is desperately sad news. Tommie Gorman was a good friend to everyone who knew him, a great storyteller and a fiercely independent, fair-minded journalist.

“I stood at microphones many times after a press conference and felt the familiar flash of panic that every political leader knew when they saw Tommie emerge from the pack to ask the blinder of a question that you were hoping wouldn’t come. I saw him cut through waffling and guldering in his quiet, forceful manner, always trying to get past the heat and down to the heart of a story.

“I also saw Tommie’s endless dedication to telling the stories of ordinary people. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, he was interested in raising up the voices of people who needed to be heard. And I will always be grateful for his kind storytelling for the people of Derry.

“He wasn’t afraid to tell you exactly what he thought but always, always with a view to helping you do better and be better.

“When he retired in 2021 I said to him that I hoped he’d enjoy swapping cold late nights at Stormont for happier days at the Showgrounds with his loving and devoted family. I’m thinking of Ceara, Moya, Joe and his wide circle of friends at this difficult time. I hope they are comforted by the enormous impact Tommie had on our whole island and the people who share it.”