JOURNALIST Shane Harrison is stepping down from his role as BBC NI's Dublin correspondent after more than three decades with the broadcaster.
Mr Harrison began working with the BBC in 1986 in a freelance capacity, before going on to work with its Spotlight team two years later.
He took up the role of Dublin correspondent in 1992, covering the relationship between Dublin and London in the early stages of the north's peace process.
The reporter also explored issues including the waning influence of the Catholic Church in the Republic and the banking crisis following the recession of 2007/2008.
Mr Harrison said it had been "great privilege" to work for the BBC over the years.
"I’m truly grateful to those who trusted me to share their stories which were often harrowing," he said.
"But there were also fun moments along the way and I will always feel fortunate to have worked with so many great colleagues.”
BBC NI's interim head of news and current affairs, Kevin Kelly, said his departing colleague's contribution to the broadcaster "cannot be overstated".
"Often reporting on difficult stories, he consistently demonstrated integrity and compassion, earning the respect of colleagues and viewers," Mr Kelly said, adding Mr Harrison was a "true professional, but also a great friend and colleague who will be missed by us all".
