Ken Reid
@bigkenreid
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Former UTV Political Editor. Hull Uni graduate. Follow Everton, Cliftonville and Ballymena RFC. A leukaemia patient and diabetic. Patron @LAL_NI
Belfast
Joined January 2011
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As many of you know, I’m continually my adventure with cancer by undergoing surgery tomorrow. The many messages and words of support have been a source of great encouragement. Feeing quite humbled by them. Thank you. Back soon.
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Quite a positive week. No other tumours found and no Chemo necessary. Still in recovery mode but good news always helps. Many thanks again for all the kind wishes. And perhaps, most importantly, the sun is shining.
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Lying in my hospital bed yesterday and watching Everton disintegrate, there is lot to be said for morphine. Tumour removed from my bowel and back on the road to recovery. Again thanks for all the good wishes. They have been a tremendous help.
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Some personal news. After nearly 27 years, I’ll be leaving UTV in March. It has been a wonderful journey, blessed with great friends, colleagues and unswerving support from my family. Thank you. By the way I’ll be around for a while yet.
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Mo Mowlam died 15 years ago today. She called me Reidy. She called the UUP leader Trimble Wimble. “Is Gerry angry oh dear me” she would say. She cut through the dross but was then cast aside when she became too popular. A wonderful person.
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On a completely non political note and much more important, I became a grandfather for the second time this afternoon. Hugo and his ma and da doing well.
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Prime Minister’s Questions is at noon. Bring Your Own Bottle.
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I am frightened. Didn’t sleep well. Don’t mind admitting that. But if we all try and lift each other’s spirits, it will help get us through. Be kind, stay safe and wash your hand
#coronavirus
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The Executive appears to be in some trouble. Another crisis. I retire tomorrow. Could matters please be put on hold until Thursday.
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I suffered a minor stroke last week while returning from Yorkshire. An unexpected hospital stay followed. Thankfully well on the road to recovery. The NHS delivered once again. Retirement back on course, although Carlo’s exit from
#EFC
was not helpful. Onwards!
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Tonight the thought
@Aideen_Reporter
is no longer with us is just heart breaking. A decent soul who suffered too much. The news has stunned many of us. We all need to take care. God bless her. RIP.
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Downing Street Press conference at 6pm. Apparently it is Bring Your Own.
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Happy New Year from the RVH. Tonight’s banquet featured scrambled eggs, a slice of bacon and toast. All topped by the house white, a glass of milk. Thoughts with the hard pressed staff and patients. We’ll get through this together. Back next year.
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Started Chemotherapy treatment this week. The staff are superb. Will leave the food issue to another day. But the ward for leukaemia patients is simply not fit for purpose. Frustrating for staff and patients. These talented professionals deserve better.
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Having been released from the RVH after a prolonged period, I will be forever grateful to the excellence of surgeons and staff. But the pressure these people are under is scandalous. The system is broken and urgent action is needed as lives are at risk. They deserve better.
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Northern Ireland is largely closed tomorrow. I wonder if anyone in Westminster or Dublin will notice. What a mess. We deserve better.
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Thank you all for your kind messages. Quite emotional today and frustrated my going away gig will be virtual. Will get a chance to say goodbye on
@UTVNews
at 6pm.
@frank_broadcast
will do the politics and I’ll do the weather. What could possibly go wrong?
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Today was emotional for me. Back with all my mates at UTV. Wonderful people. Kindness from so many at Stormont. Thank you. To the viewers, your good wishes are so wonderful. Now that’s the end of the sentimental tweets. At least for today.
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The drugs are obviously having a strange effect on me. I had this ridiculous dream Bangor was now a city.
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On a personal note could I pay tribute to the staff at Belfast’s City Hospital Cancer Centre. From my experience today, they are doing brilliant work in the most trying of circumstances. Real NHS heroes. Salute.
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Back home after six weeks in the City Hospital. Thanks to the wonderful staff in 10 North. They are working in conditions which are not fit for purpose. Every sympathy with the health workers who are saying enough is enough.
#NHS
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The heatwave seems to have missed Ballymena. Must be the protocol.
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Back home a bit sore, battered and bruised. Laughing and coughing are particularly painful, so I’ll give the politics a miss for a while.
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For those of us who lived through the trauma in 1969 and beyond in North Belfast, the memories are not pleasant. No winners, just pain. Please no more lost lives.
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Inflation is rampant, interest rates are rising, everyone appears to be on or going on strike, the government is in a mess, the next Everton crisis is pending and Kate Bush is Number One. Obviously I’m still 23, depressingly I’m 67 today although I’m delighted to have made it.
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A week after my surgery it is time to reflect on the professionalism of the surgeons, doctors, nurses and others at the Belfast City Hospital. They were brilliant. But the staffing pressures on the nurses at night are unfair. They deserve better. Thank you all.
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Marvellous listening to so many politicians talking with authority about the Good Friday Agreement, when it is clear they have never read the document.
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Reports of idiots still socialising tonight. Nearly 800 people died in Italy today and we are at severe risk. Please go home.
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The NHS has saved my life and many others in the past few years. Applause isn’t really enough. These wonderful people need properly looked after in the years to come.
#NHSheroes
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Back to work tomorrow after an unscheduled 10 month break. Anything happen since I’ve been otherwise engaged.
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Now is the time to say goodbye, as Pete and Dud would said. Thank you.
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There are still 80,000 shielding in Northern Ireland until the end of the month. Let’s not get carried away with the pubs being open, this virus is still a serious threat. We are in for a long haul. As they say where I grew up...use the bap.
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Marcus Rashford has apologised after a night out in Belfast. Join the club.
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As a leukemia patient and a diabetic, I’m under a bit of pressure but continuing to work from home. But I’m lifted by colleagues and their professional ability. All the staff led
@hagan_utv
are brilliant and
@sharon_utv
,
@Tracey_utv
and
@JudeHill_utv
were so impressive tonight.
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Through surgery this morning thanks to Louis Lau and his team in the RVH. Big battle still ahead but every confidence in the NHS. Staff are under tremendous pressure and deserve better. Meanwhile, come on Rory.
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Rarely comment on local politics these days, but the Government is making a huge error in calling an election. It will achieve nothing, increase bitterness and will return a result which will be entirely predictable. What’s the point.
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Overwhelmed by the kindness and good wishes today. I’m sure Frank and Jane feel the same. Thank you. But a little sadness that tonight my granddaughter and her parents are not here thanks to Covid restrictions. Many households will be going through the same pain. We live in hope.
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The health crisis is for real, believe me. Currently in the RVH, my planned surgery was postponed at the last minute yesterday and again today. I’m not alone. The pressure on the medical staff is impossible. They deserve better.
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It has been a tough year. Leukaemia and diabetes can be relentless and cruel. But I will forever be thankful for the wonderful medical staff, family and friends for their care, dedication and support. Being up and about again is great. Happy New Year to all.
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Powerful statesman speech from Leo Varadkar. Calming yet realistic. Real leadership.
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In October 1974 I started Hull University. Over 45 years later my first grandchild Summer Elizabeth was born in that noble city yesterday. Glad to report mother and child are well.
#Happiness
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Sadly an infection has resulted in me being re-admitted to the RVH. Once again thankful to the hard pressed medical staff for their care and support.
#nhs
The food is still dreadful though.
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A Happy New Year to you all. Your support through a difficult year, Chemo and other delights, has been so helpful. Thank you.
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Having some repair work shortly after my recent treatment. Will be missing for a few weeks from the screen. But fully expecting Brexit and Stormont to be sorted on my return. Aye, right!
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Amid the Windsor Framework spinning game, do not lose sight of the fact the health service is in meltdown and lives are at risk and being lost. During five weeks in hospital, there was never a mention of the Protocol. What’s the real crisis?
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Magnificent view over Belfast from my hospital room in the City Hospital. Stormont in the distance . A lot more activity in this ward than on the hill. The pressure on staff is unrelenting. What a contrast.
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Delighted
@Tracey_utv
will be the new UTV Political Editor when I retire at the end of the month. She is a tremendous journalist, well respected and a great friend. Excellent.
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From my experience this afternoon, the organisation at the RVH vaccination centre is first class. Everything explained clearly with the minimum of fuss. First injection done. Great jab.
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I have followed and been involved in this wonderful sport for most of my life. That was the finest moment for Irish rugby in my experience. Wonderful.
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Just reflecting, for 26 years I covered Conservative Party conferences. Some good, some bad. But nothing resembling this shambles. It seems to be deteriorating hour by hour. Not quite sure who is in charge. Quite remarkable, as David Coleman would have said.
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Merry Christmas from a hospital patient on home parole. Have a great day and enjoy yourself.
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My repair work under the knife went well this week. Still very sore but nothing compared to few political casualties. What an extraordinary time.
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No better way to celebrate my birthday than Hugo reading me a story.
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Pat Hume has passed away. She was a wonderful woman and so important in organising and supporting her husband John. She was a foundation stone of the peace process. Above all a mother and friend to so many. A privilege to have known her. RIP
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Tomorrow is the first anniversary of my retirement. But can’t resist an election. Don’t be surprised if you find me, occasionally, popping up here and there.
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Reading the Lush nightclub in Portrush is to close after 25 years. That’s my Saturday nights ruined.
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My opinion for what it is worth..not very much these days....Edwin Poots is over the line and will be the next DUP leader. Now back to retirement, does anyone know where I put the slippers?
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Stephen Grimason, my dear friend, has died. He showed enormous courage against the odds right to very end. In over 40 years of friendship and rivalry we never exchanged a cross word. Lucky to have spent time with him in his last days. Sleep well my friend.
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Devastated. My old UTV colleague Brian Black has been killed in a tragic accident. He was a special man, great communicator with a special passion for improving our environment. The UTV family is in a state of shock at the loss. RIP
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Looking at the hospital mirror this morning after my surgery, I feel like many a politician here ….completely stitched up.
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Forgive me for a touch of nostalgia. My grandfather bought me my first
@cliftonvillefc
season ticket in 1961. There has been pain, humiliation and frustration being a supporter. But my goodness it was worth it when you have days like today. You Reds.
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The international media are providing great entertainment explaining Northern Ireland politics. Apparently Sinn Fein are about to sweep to power. Every day a school day. I thought they were in power already. What would I know.
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Overwhelmed by the numerous good wishes I’ve received this week. Quite uplifting to be out and about meeting friends again. Some decent food along the way always helps. Not out of the woods yet, but advancing. Many thanks. Your kind thoughts are deeply appreciated.
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No Secretary of State, the Government disintegrating and no Stormont Executive. Anyone know who is in charge. Asking for a friend.
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Over 80,000 people in Northern Ireland are still shielding. Remember that. Be careful as you enjoy the easing of restrictions. Stay safe.
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Rough week. Needles in my eyes, seriously. Gave enough blood at the Bridgewater Suite to supply the next Dracula film. Through it all the medical staff were magnificent. The vaccine news lifting spirits. Heroes all!
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For the fourth consecutive day there are no reported deaths from
@coronavirus
in Northern Ireland.
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Ireland beat England at cricket tonight. I think John Hume would have liked that.
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To be honest 2021 was rubbish. Let’s hope 2022 is an improvement. We all need some hope. Happy New Year.
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Suspect most will go to bed tonight confused by the PM’s statement. But it does give the Northern Ireland Executive a chance, over the next couple of days, to give a clear plan for the days and months ahead. Huge moment for devolution.
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We will know the new Prime Minister on Friday the 13th of December. What could possibly go wrong?
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Merry Christmas to all, with a special mention to those in hospital and the magnificent staff looking after them. Special people.
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During that second half I was on the verge of phoning the City Hospital to ask them to hold a bed. Magnificent Ireland.
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Second jab done at the RVH. Once again efficient and friendly. Great day out!
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Gerry Anderson was unquestionably one of the most talented broadcasters ever to grace the airwaves. Funny, questioning and sometimes quite deep. His repartee with Sean Coyle, brilliant. Great music taste. Much missed.
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The clocks are changing this weekend. More darkness. Fuel prices are rising at an alarming rate, shopping is getting more expensive, hospital emergency departments are bursting and my shopping card is apparently in the post. Apart from that ,it’s all going terribly well. 😀
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The guy at the dump says the weather has been brilliant since
@frank_broadcast
retired. I couldn’t possibly comment.
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Having been around for a few years, it is hard to remember a time when the political climate has been so depressing. Urgent need for new thinking.
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For so many vulnerable people and particularly those those underlying health conditions, this is a difficult time. Mental health is a real issue for so many people. The next few weeks and months are going to be extremely difficult for many. Be kind.
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What a great morning for local journalism. A Prime Minister actually lost for words on Radio Stoke.
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Getting my hair cut next week. Yes Strands one, two and three.
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When a Government announces a negative decision on Casement Park at 7.10pm on a Friday evening, it is news management at the highest level. The decision was hardly taken this afternoon.
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My good friend Geoff Hill passed away this morning, aged 52. He was the former News Editor of ITV news and a brilliant journalist. He was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2017 in the same week I was told something similar. He fought an acute form of the disease with humour and courage
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Over a week ago i admitted I was frightened. That hasn’t changed. But the spirit of decent people gives us all hope. We are blessed with a health service which embraces all that is good in human nature. Bless them.
#NHS
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BBC Radio Five barely mentioned the Aviva game on the rugby show on Thursday night. Just in case they missed it, Ireland beat the All Blacks 29-20. Magnificent Ireland.
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Last night I enjoyed a lovely chat,with
@JulianSmithUK
,by phone of course, and realised what a loss he is to this place.
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A plus point on my cancer experience is witnessing the excellence and professionalism of so many health staff. ranging from consultants, doctors, nurses to the cleaning staff. They deserve better.
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With the experience of 45 years covering politics, I have say the comedy provided by Nadine Dorries is beyond compare….if it wasn’t so tragic.
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Farewell my friend. We laughed, comforted each other and competed. The funeral was a fitting celebration of a life well lived. What a magnificent family. See you on the other side.
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Very close to shedding a tear. That was Ireland beating the best team in world. What an occasion.
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The Irish people have spoken but judging by the Exit Poll, it might take a while to work out what they said.
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Reflecting, I’ve just wasted an hour of my life watching the Tory squabble and at my age this is a serious matter.
#nowiser
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Three sizzling questions dominating my politics today. Will smuggling sausages become a thing? Will you be in trouble if you tell the nice customs person porkies? Will you be grilled or fried before being banged up? Buy local.
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Sometimes it’s just hard to lift the head up in the current storm. Everyone is affected in some way. But the vaccine offers real hope and Northern Ireland appears ahead of the rest of the UK and Ireland in getting the jab done. See what I did there!
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Having covered Northern Ireland politics for more years than is sensible, one learns nothing happens on time. Many lost nights and ruined Christmas holidays Nothing changes.
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Next week, all being well, I will be in Beverley and hugging my granddaughter. Excitement unconfined.
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