Stephen Walker
Stephen Walker is BBC Northern Ireland’s political reporter and has worked for the BBC for 23 years. He was the Northern Ireland Journalist of the Year in 2006 and his work has been honoured by Royal Television Society. Stephen has written two books: ‘Forgotten Soldiers: The Irishmen Shot at Dawn’ (2007) and ‘Hide and Seek: The Irish Priest in the Vatican who Defied the Nazi Command’ (2011).
How did your journalistic career begin?
I was always interested in becoming a reporter. I went to college in Northampton and then did a postgraduate diploma in broadcasting in Portsmouth. In 1989, I was lucky enough to be offered a job as a reporter with the BBC in Leeds and really enjoyed my time there. West Yorkshire is a really busy news patch and after spending a couple of years there I was offered a job with BBC Radio Ulster in Belfast. I reported for Good Morning Ulster, Newsbreak and PM Ulster and then moved to television news as a reporter. From there I joined Spotlight and really enjoyed making thirty-minute documentaries, particularly spending time on investigations. In 2009, I was appointed political reporter and I currently work alongside Political Editor Mark Devenport and two correspondents, Gareth Gordon and Martina Purdy.
How do you divide your time between Belfast and Westminster?
I have to try and predict on a weekly basis where is the most newsworthy place to go. Sometimes, I even get it right!
Usually Westminster is busy in the middle of the week, particularly if Northern Ireland questions is taking place. Wednesday is often a bit hectic with Prime Minister’s questions and if the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee is sitting. The rest of the week I am either based up at Stormont or out doing interviews across Northern Ireland.
After devolution, how much local interest do you find in Westminster?
Obviously, there is less Northern Ireland business in Westminster after devolution but that does not mean interest in our 18 MPs has diminished. When I became political reporter back in 2009, the expenses scandal dominated the news agenda and understandably the public interest was huge. Naturally viewers and listeners want to know where our MPs stand on key issues like welfare reform, the economy, EU membership. Our local MPs routinely contribute to national debates and some have roles on important committees that can influence government thinking. Since he was elected Speaker, John Bercow has made a big effort to include contributions from Northern Ireland. We do have a healthy appetite in Northern Ireland for politics. After all, in the last 40 years we have probably had more elections than anybody else.
What are the best values for a journalist?
I like Nicholas Tomalin’s definition. He wrote in the Sunday Times that “the only qualities essential for real success in journalism are rat-like cunning, a plausible manner, and a little literary ability”.
What inspired your two books and how did journalism influence your writing style?
I wrote ‘Forgotten Soldiers’ after reporting on the story for 15 years and after doing two BBC documentaries. The book is essentially two stories: the story of the men who were executed and the story of the campaign to pardon them. ‘Hide and Seek: The Irish Priest in the Vatican who Defied the Nazi Command’ is a story of two men who were enemies and then became friends. It is an amazing story that takes in wartime Rome, Germany and Ireland. I just thought the narrative had so many dramatic and poignant twists that it warranted a book. When I am writing for broadcast, I use short sentences and try to write simply. My colleagues would agree with the simply bit. I did have to adjust that style slightly for the two books. I used more adjectives and had to get to grips with grammar and punctuation, which was a bit scary.
How do you relax outside work?
By being a taxi driver and personal assistant to three children. Usually weekends are spent on wet football touchlines or inside leisure centres: the joy of parenthood!
When I can, I enjoy watching football and still manage a game of five a side, once a week with a great bunch of lads. I like going to Ravenhill to watch Ulster and did manage to get to the Heineken Cup final at Twickenham.
