Dan McGinn was execellent when he was at PA. Noel Thompson, when he gets the opportunity is a fantastic interviewer – a memory of a recent engagement with Martin M comes to mind.

I have to say I like the Fitzpatrick/ Devenport duet on Stormont Live. Like the entire Stormont saga, they’re by no means the finished article, but they’re growing into the posts and have a good grasp on developments.

Déanann sé dhá uair in aghaidh an lae, 8:00-9:00 agus 12:00 – 13:00.

Ó thaobh chláir s’aige fhéin de tá sé leis féin go hiomlán, déanann sé é a láithriú is a léiriú agus scríobhann sé an script, chomh maith leis sin déanann sé an nuacht ann! – agus déanann sé chuile rud acu chomh maith sin, dochreidte.

I would like to nominate Eoghan Ó Néill, Raidió Fáilte’s anchorman who does two hours a day and the news, he writes, produces and presents the programs single handedly and does a great job and produces some great documentary pieces.

Eoghan Ó Néill, ui. 1.

Newsflash- we’re not an economic power house, we’re going nowhere quickly, and the sooner those in power wake up and get their act together, the sooner we can move forward.

“Alison Morris at the Irish News seems to have some proper insight into the criminal justice system, I work in law so I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to those issues and always look out for her.”

That’s intriguing. I don’t know about Morris as it happens, but I think that the journalist that appeals to people who are specifically interested in a subject makes for a fairly weighty vote.

Journalists who forgo noticeability to cover a story well must be worth a mench here?

Thus far I am much impressed by Billie Joe Remarkable’s nomination and if investigative journalism is to win out then it would be difficult to ignore this dauntless scoop on Belfast’s own Botanicgate by the Newsline reporter. Her relentless determination in locating “the other gate” should not be allowed to pass without mention.

If wasn’t for Blair and Ahern in particular we would still be walking around in circles together with eyes to the ground.

Think harder bisto.

I doubt very much if Kirkpatrick is a reflection of religous opinions because he’s a bit wooden in front of a camera.

Strange post…..

Well maybe he is there for a purpose? Perhaps Jim is a true reflection of large parts of the voting NI people, those who know no other than big C conservatism and starched shirts in thy name of God.

You can tell, like pre-programmed God-a-thons, how they will react next. Walking on the 12 Day – traditional routes a must; internment bonfires – a must too; abortion on the NHS – no!; age of consent at 16 – no; sectarian god-driven schools – a must; sexually conservative – of course. Etc, etc. It’s groundhog day all over again, again, again, again.

: /

On the other hand, here’s one of my reports which has been followed by the ‘non-action’ of most politicians and journalists. The report deals with the official acceptance of a planning application for two replacement dwellings when the records show that there was only one dwelling. BTW, the site is still a hole in the ground nearly ten years on.

Jim Fitzpatrick is dreadful – more wodden than a Burton’s Dummy.

My nomination goes to Martina – she actually will chase up a story and pursue it, which is more than can be said for most of the cut and paste merchants in operation here. As for David Gordon, if making innuendo and accusation which is then proven to be non-actionable is a good journalistic approach, he should win.

Mark Devenport has asked some difficult questions and has shadowed politicians of all hues and gave some good commentary, despite my own prejudices of the small man theory.

And, Jim Fitzpatrick has attempted to freshen up local politics on a Sunday appealing to the younger viewer by having, in my opinion, a more approachable style and accessible show on politics here.

The combination of Mark and Jim on Stormont live, for example, has produced some good results (not to mention on the blogs too). Martina Purdy as well. Together they present a good steer on Stormont and are well ahead of the rest, in my view.

William Graham is excellent, understated intelligence without the need to resort to self promotion.
David Gordan for bringing down the Paisley dynasty will be rightly written into history and its not often that can be said of a journalist.
Alison Morris at the Irish News seems to have some proper insight into the criminal justice system, I work in law so I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to those issues and always look out for her.
Apart from that the standard of journalism here is still pretty poor in my humble opinion.

Marie-Louise McCrory at the Irish News is brilliant – she has a degree, you know. Her “ironic” feature on blondes not being dumb will be a minor classic after she spelled Blonde in two different ways 16 times. Ten times it was blonde and 6 times she went for blonde. Did I mention her degree? She often does.

One of the few reporters who actually seems to have any idea what she’s on about is Maggie Taggart covering education stories with some depth of knowledge and the ability to occasionally set the agenda.

The Irish Times is generally the best newspaper on the island with, for me, Frank Millar being the best journo they have.
The only fly in the ointment is the less than critical reporting and analysis from one of its northern staff. I won’t name the individual concerned, but Pollyanna comes across as a complete pessimist in comparison.
Someone at HQ should remind him that he is there to report the peace process, warts and all. Not act as an uncritical cheerleader for it.