Former Northern Ireland journalist killed in accident in Middle East

A former journalist from Northern Ireland has died in a traffic accident in the Middle East.

Austin Hunter, a former BBC reporter and editor of the News Letter, was in Bahrain working for the not-for-profit organisation Northern Ireland Co-operation Overseas (NI-CO) when he died on Saturday.

The 64-year-old Tyrone native worked in media and PR for over 40 years, beginning in newspapers, before moving to the BBC where he worked as a broadcast journalist during the height of the Troubles.

In the sphere of public relations, he was head of communications for the police in Northern Ireland during a time of unprecedented change when the old RUC was replaced by the PSNI.

PSNI's head of Corporate Communications, Liz Young said: "We are saddened at the tragic news of Austin's death.

"Austin brought a wealth of skill, professionalism and experience to the organisation during his time in the Media and PR Department. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."

Mr Hunter left the PSNI in 2004 to become editor of the News Letter where he stayed until 2006.

He also worked for a number of years as the head of communications at the Orange Order.

Grand Master Edward Stevenson paid tribute to his “vast expertise and professionalism” throughout his tenure.

He said: “As well as being an absolute gentleman and an individual of the utmost integrity, Austin was a colossus in the field of journalism and public relations.

“There can be no doubt the Order’s relationship with the media improved immeasurably under Austin’s stewardship. Such a growing rapport will be his enduring legacy towards Orangeism, and one we will seek to maintain in his memory.”

In recent years he had been travelling around the world sharing his expertise in journalism.

A family statement from Mr Hunter's wife Jean, son Simon and daughter Rachael, said they are “absolutely devastated” by his loss.

First Minister Arlene Foster led tributes to Mr Hunter on Sunday.

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt, who worked with Mr Hunter at the BBC, described him as a “distinguished journalist and a fine human being”.

He said: “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.”

SDLP MLA West Belfast MLA Alex Attwood said his party sends condolences to Mr Hunter’s family.

“This is truly terrible news. Austin Hunter was a very well regarded and highly engaging figure in the world of journalism for decades,” he said.

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

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."

His colleagues in the field of journalism have also been paying tribute.

Current News Letter editor Alistair Bushe, said: "I'm shocked and devastated to hear of Austin's death.

"During Austin's period as editor of the News Letter, it achieved its best circulation figures for eight years, his leadership skills help lead it out of a difficult period and even after he left the paper in 2006, he always maintained and close affinity for the News Letter.

“He was a hugely respected and well liked figure across the media industry in Northern Ireland.”