Journalist Stephen Walker dies aged 61

Stephen Walker, an award-winning journalist and author known for his extensive coverage of Northern Ireland's political landscape and his biographies of key peace process figures, has died at the age of 61. His death occurred at home on Sunday, September 6, 2026, surrounded by his family. Walker spent more than three decades with the BBC, beginning his career in 1989 with Radio Leeds before joining BBC Northern Ireland in 1991. During his tenure, he served as a political correspondent, Westminster lobby correspondent, and an investigative reporter for the BBC's Spotlight program. He reported on many of the region's most significant events, including the latter years of the Troubles, the ceasefires, the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, and Brexit. Beyond his journalism, Walker authored five books. His biographies of prominent figures in the Northern Ireland peace process, "John Hume The Persuader" published in 2023 and "David Trimble Peacemaker" released in 2025, were particularly noted. He also contributed to the inaugural Magheramorne Literary Festival in March 2026.