The murder of Sunday Worldjournalist and National Union of Journalists member Martin O'Hagan is an appalling and sickening attack on a reporter who throughout his career campaigned against the twin evils of sectarianism and terrorism.
The murder is not just an attack on an individual but an attack on the freedoms of speech and expression. Martin will be remembered for his tireless and courageous coverage of events in Northern Ireland despite the daily presence of danger as he faced threats from those who strive to stifle freedom and democracy.
As a journalist and active trade union member of the Belfast Branch of the NUJ, Martin worked tirelessly to keep the public informed of what was happening and working for a peaceful Ireland while exposing the actions and evil deeds of those who opposed peace and democracy.
Our thoughts and sympathies, as friends and fellow trade unionists of Martin, are with his family and, particularly, his wife Marie.
A Book of Condolences will be opened at the NUJ’s offices in Liberty Hall in Dublin and we are calling on newsrooms all over the islands of Ireland and Britain to do the same.