by Connie Duffy
A DONEGAL journalist is amongst the eight runners for the post of editor of the Journalist, the National Union of Journalists journal for members.
Gerard Cunningham, a native of Glencolmcille, is a freelance journalist living in Co Kildare.
He writes for local and national outlets on topics as varied as crime and courts, politics, new technology, and local history, with a particular interest in archaeology and early Celtic society.
He also works as a sub editor, designer and on occasion as a photographer.
Gerard is the author of two books, Chaos and Conspiracy, the Framing of the McBrearty Family – the full story of what happened in County Donegal from the night Richie Barron died to the conclusion of the work of the Morris Tribunal. published in April 2009 and Breaking the Silence (along with the late Garda Sergeant Martin Ridge), a brilliantly written account of the garda investigation that brought two serial and unrepentant child sex abusers abusers to justice.
He also worked as consultant editor on Charades: Adrienne McGlinchey and the Donegal Gardai, by Karen McGlinchey, another tale involving the gardaí and its methods during the Morris Tribunal.
Indeed Gerard has covered all three tribunals of inquiry into garda corruption, including the Charleton (Disclosures) Tribunal and before that, the Smithwick Tribunal.
For five years between 2003-08 he covered the Morris tribunal, providing stories to both national and local newspapers, and to broadcast media.
He is the only journalist to have attended every day of public evidence at the inquiry into garda corruption.
He also covered related stories, including the Frank Shortt and McBrearty family civil cases, and the criminal trial of the late Det Sgt John White.
In his election statement Gerard says although a late starter in journalism, becoming a member of the NUJ in 2002, he is a firm believer in the power of communication.
He adds if appointed to the role of editor he would embrace new technologies to reach a wider audience and work to improve conditions for journalists, build collegiality and promote their work.
The editor’s post is subject to election by ballot of the NUJ membership every five years.
The new ballot schedule will see voting open on Tuesday, August 13, and close on Thursday, September 5 at noon.
The union’s national executive council will meet to receive and endorse the results on Friday, September 6 at 10am.
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