Mark Simpson

London

Producer at BBC Radio 2

Producer at BBC Radio 6 Music

BBC Radio Producer - music lover, film fan this is my personal account, not the views of the BBC.

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Articles

Nama trial: Jamie Bryson says he sent private messages to Sinn Féin's Daithí McKay

1 day ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Jamie Bryson entering Belfast Crown Court on 19 MayBBC News NI community correspondentThe loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has admitted sending private messages to Sinn Féin's Daithí McKay before appearing at a Stormont committee but denied they made a secret deal. Mr Bryson has been on trial for the past three weeks along with two others, including Mr McKay, on charges related to misconduct in public office.
Cllr Tracy Kelly to become DUP's first female lord mayor of Belfast

5 days ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image caption, Councillor Tracy Kelly will become the second female unionist to be a Belfast lord mayorBBC News NI communities correspondentSouth Belfast councillor Tracy Kelly is set to become the city's first female lord mayor from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). She is expected to be voted into the top position in Belfast at a council meeting on Monday night. It will make her the second female unionist to become the city's lord mayor.
Obituary of Sir Kenneth Bloomfield, former Northern Ireland Civil Service head

6 days ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image source, PacemakerImage caption, Sir Kenneth Bloomfield was married to Lady Elizabeth for more than 60 yearsBBC News NI community correspondentSir Kenneth Bloomfield was one of the most distinguished civil servants in Northern Ireland's history. During the 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles, he was a key figure behind-the-scenes, trying to ensure public services ran as normally as possible.
Sir Kenneth Bloomfield: Former Northern Ireland Civil Service chief dies aged 94

6 days ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image source, PacemakerImage caption, Sir Kenneth Bloomfield pictured alongside his wife, Lady BloomfieldBBC News NI community correspondentSir Kenneth Bloomfield, one of the most distinguished civil servants in Northern Ireland's history, has died at the age of 94. After retiring from full-time work, he remained committed to public service and took on roles helping victims of violence and their families. His career as a civil servant started during the Stormont Parliament in the 1950s.
'Nama trial': Judge says hearings not to be commented on social media

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, The case is being heard in Belfast Crown CourtBBC News NI communities correspondentThe judge in the trial involving loyalist activist Jamie Bryson has warned defendants in the case not to be commenting on the hearings on social media. One of the lawyers complained about a defendant providing "live commentary" on Twitter. Des Fahy KC said it was improper and complained to the judge.
Assembly Rooms: Belfast council considers purchasing historic building

2 weeks ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image caption, In January, the Assembly Rooms were placed alongside buildings in Gaza and Ukraine on a list of global 'at risk' heritage sitesBBC News NI communities correspondentThe historic Assembly Rooms in Belfast may soon be taken out of private ownership and bought by Belfast City Council. A potential deal is being considered that could pave the way for the restoration of the derelict building, which dates back to the 18th Century.
Peter Robinson claims denied in Bryson 'Nama trial'

2 weeks ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image caption, The allegations about Peter Robinson (pictured above) were made in 2015 by Jamie Bryson at a Finance Committee meetingBBC News NI communities correspondentControversial claims about Peter Robinson by the loyalist activist Jamie Bryson at a Stormont committee 10 years ago were replayed in court today. At the time, Mr Robinson was First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).
NI church leaders and mass-goers pay tribute to Pope Francis

1 month ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson |Keiron Tourish |Catherine Doyle

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Pope Francis is greeted by Archbishop Eamon Martin as he arrives at Dublin Airport on 25 August 2018 in DublinMark Simpson, Keiron Tourish and Catherine DoyleMembers of the public and church leaders have expressed "sadness" after the death of Pope Francis on Monday morning. The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, said the Pope had been "showing immense courage and serenity in the face of frailty and suffering".
Rory McIlroy: Celebrations at Holywood Golf Club

1 month ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Holywood made a lot of noise on Sunday nightBBC News NI community correspondentNot even the early closure of the bar could spoil the party at Rory McIlroy's hometown golf club after his long-awaited Masters victory. The last pints of beer and glasses of wine were served at Holywood Golf Club more than two hours before the dramatic golf tournament ended, but nobody cared.
Casement Park: Thousands gather for rally on lack of progress

1 month ago | bbc.co.uk | Mark Simpson

Image caption, Several thousand people, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams (r) and former Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey (l), gathered in west Belfast for the marchBBC News NI community correspondentSeveral thousand people, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, have gathered in west Belfast to protest about the failure to redevelop Casement Park stadium. The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) ground has been lying derelict for more than a decade.