Ex-Newsnight anchor dies

Broadcaster Donald MacCormick, has died aged 70...

09:26 13 July 2009

Scottish broadcaster Donald MacCormick, has died aged 70.

The former 'Newsnight' anchor, who worked for both the BBC and ITV during his career, passed away after a heart attack.

His former co-host from Newsnight, John Tusa, said of his death telling BBC news: "He was an absolutely marvellous, generous and selfless colleague. He was part of a trio, providing an absolutely solid professional call and was just a perfect foil to both Peter and me.

"He couldn't have been easier to deal with, there were never any arguments - he just did his job in an extremely professional way and was warm, generous and thorough."

MacCormick presented BBC Two's 'Newsnight' alongside Tusa and Peter Snow in the 1980s.

As well as being a high school teacher, during his career MacCormick presented 'Question Time', 'The Money Programme', 'Tonight' and 'Newsweek'.

Tim Gardam, former BBC Newsnight Editor said: "Donald was always focused on ensuring the programme aired with calm authority. His political interviews were as insistent as they were courteous. He had a sharp eye for the pressure points in politics and the tussles for power in the Palace of Westminster."