Longford journalist speaks of 'privilege' of reporting on 'important global story'

At the start of last month the escalating hostility between Israel and Hamas erupted into bloody war.

It commenced when Hamas, the militant Islamist group that controls Gaza since 2006, fired rockets into Israel and stormed southern Israeli cities and towns across the border of the Gaza strip.

The incursion killed and injured hundreds of soldiers and civilians and dozens of hostages were taken. Israel rapidly mounted a retaliatory operation and ordered more than a million Palestinian civilians in northern Gaza to evacuate ahead of planned ground assaults.

Last week's on the ground reporting for RTE was by Longford journalist Fran McNulty. Fran was reporting on the latest on the war in Gaza and the West Bank as the ground invasion of the region continued.

Fran has held the post of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Correspondent, Prime Time and Morning Ireland presenter as well as reporting for RTÉ News for radio, television and online.

An award-winning journalist, Fran began his career in Shannonside Northern Sound radio, where he worked as a current affairs presenter and Agriculture Editor before joining RTÉ in 2005.

Fran has covered some of the most high profile Irish criminal court cases. His political reporting catalogued the fall of Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen, the election of Enda Kenny, and he reported extensively from the Mahon Tribunal.

Fran also has vast experience in the field of international news. He reported from London during terror alerts there. He also covered the illness and death of Nelson Mandela in South Africa.

As well as reporting on the resignation of Pope Benedict, he was present at the Papal Conclave that elected Pope Francis and has also broadcast from the West Bank prior to his current assignment.

Speaking to the Leader about the Israel posting Fran said: “For me, it’s a privilege as a journalist to be able to report on such an important global story.

“I think it also shows the value of Public Service Broadcasting that an Irish audience can have a unique perspective on a story that is so significant.

“Events that are happening out here could have lasting implications for all the world, and thankfully RTÉ has committed resources to reporting on that for the audience.”