Former UTV personality David Dunseith dies at 76

Award-winning former UTV broadcaster David Dunseith has died aged 76. He last appeared on ITV in Northern Ireland in a special programme , UTV50, celebrating 50 years of the company in 2009.

Michael Wilson, Managing Director of UTV Television said, “David was an outstanding journalist and a true gentleman. On the few occasions we met, it was always a pleasure to be in his company and I was struck by his warmth, humour and interest in Northern Irish society.

“He made a significant contribution to journalism in Northern Ireland and he will always be remembered by his colleagues here as a skilled presenter and journalist, respected for his integrity. His work on the UTV’s 50^th anniversary programme was superb and he will be remembered fondly by everyone who worked with him at UTV.”

Dunseith died yesterday, bringing to an end a television career which had spanned over four decades. Originally from Londonderry he first worked as a Drug Squad police officer before switching to broadcasting in the 1970s becoming one of the best known presenters of local evening news show, UTV Reports and later returned to its replacement, UTV Live.

 

David retired from broadcasting earlier this year departing from the BBC Talkback show he had hosted for over 20 years. His successor Wendy Austin told UTV his voice was “immediately recognisable and loved” in so many homes across Northern Ireland and beyond. “Friend and foe alike regarded him with respect,” she said. “We will all miss him.”

He is survived by three sons, Philip, Benny and Conor. His wife, and fellow UTV Live co-host, Roisin Walsh died in July 2010 following a battle with Motor Neurone Disease.