Tributes to the ‘giant in journalism’

Renowned journalist Robert Fisk died at the age of 74 after becoming ill at his Dublin home. He is being remembered as fearless and unflinching.

The British-born foreign correspondent was known for his extensive reports on conflict in the Middle East.

He took Irish citizenship and made his home in Dalkey.

Leading the tributes to him last night, the Irish President Michael D Higgins told the Independent, "With his passing, the world of journalism and informed commentary on the Middle East has lost one of its finest commentators.

"I have had the privilege of knowing Robert Fisk since the 1990s, and of meeting him in some of the countries of which he wrote with such great understanding. I met him in Iraq, and last year I had my last meeting with him in Beirut, during my official visit to Lebanon.

"I knew that his taking of Irish citizenship meant a great deal to him, and his influence on young practitioners in journalism and political writing was attested by the huge audiences which attended the occasions on which he spoke in Ireland."

He said generations had relied on Fisk for a critical view of what was happening in conflict zones around the world.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin tweeted of his sadness at the death of Fisk.

"He was fearless and independent in his reporting, with a deeply researched understanding of the complexities of the Middle East, eastern history and politics."

"He helped many people understand those complexities better," he added.

Political editor of the Belfast Telegraph Suzanne Breen tweeted, "Robert Fisk was a giant in journalism. Whilst others were spoon-fed lies, he challenged the narrative of the powerful. Fearless and unflinching, he was 'controversial' for all the right reasons. His death leaves a huge void in foreign reportage."

Former justice minister Charlie Flanagan, who had presented Mr Fisk with his Irish citizenship in recent years, said he was saddened to hear of the award-winning journalist's death.

He said he was "pleased to present him with Irish citizenship about which he was immensely proud. Didn't always agree with his views but I admired his courage among many great qualities. May he rest in everlasting peace."