Category: Northern Ireland
Date: 08.09.2006
Printable version
Dr James Hawthorne CBE, former Controller of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Northern Ireland, died today.
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Dr Hawthorne was Controller in Northern Ireland for ten years from 1979 to 1989.
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Anna Carragher, current Controller, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Northern Ireland, said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Dr James Hawthorne.
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"He led ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Northern Ireland during some of the most difficult years of the Troubles. He had an enormous dedication and commitment to the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½.
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"When he left the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Dr Hawthorne continued to make a valuable contribution to broadcasting and to Northern Ireland - most recently taking part in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ NI's Making History archive event in June this year.
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"My sympathy goes to his family."
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Pat Loughrey, former Controller, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ NI, and ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Director of Nations and Regions, said:
"Jimmy was one of the pioneers of broadcasting in Northern Ireland.
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"He created ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Schools programmes and pioneered television drama from the province.
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"He was Controller of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ NI during some of the most difficult and demanding days.
He steered the organisation through many difficult decisions.
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"He loved Northern Ireland and was devoted to its public service."
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After leaving the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Dr Hawthorne was Chairman of the Community Relations Council, Chairman of the Health Promotion Agency and Honorary Secretary of the Ulster Historical Circle.
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ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Northern Ireland
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