Award-winning journalist and author Stephen Walker (right) and local BBC presenter Mark Carruthers (left).
The author of a new bestselling book on John Hume will be in Antrim in February at a special event at the town’s Old Courthouse Theatre.
Stephen Walker who has written “John Hume: The Persuader" will be in conversation with BBC NI Presenter Mark Carruthers on Friday 9 February at 8pm.
The two well known journalists will discuss the new biography which combines over 100 interviews with many of Hume’s family, friends, and political rivals.
The book presents a revealing portrait of the man who was an MP, MEP and Nobel Laureate and includes unpublished interviews with Hume himself.
The book which was a Christmas bestseller has received critical acclaim and was described by the Irish Times as “the definitive biography of John Hume".
RTE presenter David McCullagh said the biography was superb and “does full justice to a towering figure.” Journalist Sam McBride of the Belfast Telegraph said Walker’s book was “scrupulously fair, deeply researched and insightful.”
Award-winning journalist and author Stephen Walker
Speaking to Love Ballymena, Stephen Walker said:
"It is very exciting to be in Antrim on February 9. Having grown up in Ballymena it is a part of the world I know very well.
"I am delighted to be in the Old Courthouse which is a great venue. It promises to be a fantastic evening and I am particularly pleased that my old sparring partner Mark Carruthers will be asking the questions. He is the best in the business.
"I am also really looking forward to taking questions from the audience and am excited about talking about John Hume’s life and legacy."
The event in Antrim is the latest in a series of 'In Conversation' events about the book that have taken place across Northern Ireland. Walker has appeared at sell out events in Bangor, Belfast, Ballymena, Downpatrick and Armagh and at Christmas his book reached number seven in the Non-fiction bestseller chart.
The author of four books, Walker is an award winning journalist who covered the politics of Northern Ireland for over 30 years. He is a former BBC Northern Ireland Political Correspondent and worked as an investigative reporter for the Spotlight programme. He was brought up in Ballymena and spent 34 years as a BBC reporter.
Mark Carruthers, one of the best known presenters on local television, is the face of politics on BBC Northern Ireland. He presents 'The View' and 'Sunday Politics' and also hosts the podcast 'Red Lines'.
Tickets for the Antrim event are available from www.theoldcourthousetheatre.com
and from www.stephenwalker.uk