The Irish president, Northern Ireland culture minister and the National Union of Journalists have paid tribute to Belfast-based journalist and broadcaster Sam McAughtry, who has died at the age of 91.
McAughtry was a familiar voice on BBC Radio Ulster, a regular contributor to the Irish Times and a life-long union member.
Irish president Michael D Higgins said he would be remembered as "a man of immense talent and integrity". Northern Ireland culture minister Carál Ní Chuilín praised his "wit and storytelling".
NUJ Irish secretary Séamus Dooley said: “Sam was a Life Member of the NUJ and was one of the best known journalists in Ireland. He was a passionate trade unionist and was deeply committed to fighting sectarianism.
"Through the pages of The Irish Times Sam McAughtry opened a window into the lives of working class men and women in Northern Ireland. Encouraged by Douglas Gageby he became a keen observer of life in live in the Republic and brought to the pages of the newspaper his unique humour and journalistic flair.
"Sam was a defender of the rights of authors, notably in relation to copyright. He is remembered as a loyal and generous colleague, a journalist and trade unionist of rare conviction who not only added to the gaiety of life on this island but also helped promote tolerance and understanding."
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