Patricia MacBride

Hello, I’m Patricia Mac Bride.  I’m a columnist, writer, broadcaster and commentator

I am a columnist with The Irish News and a regular contributor on radio and television across the island of Ireland and internationally, providing commentary and analysis on Irish politics, Northern Ireland affairs, Brexit, human rights and transitional justice issues, particularly in relation to victims of conflict. I have a thorough knowledge of the Good Friday Agreement, the related institutions, policing and criminal justice matters.

As someone who works in both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland, I have a solid knowledge of cross-border issues and I have provided media analysis and commentary during election campaigns and counts in both jurisdictions since 2015.  I have appeared regularly as a panellist and analyst with a number of broadcasters, including RTÉ, BBC, ITV, France 24, Al Jazeera and others.

I am also a competent and experienced event host and chair.

I started my professional life as a journalist in staff and freelance roles in Ireland and the USA.  I then moved into media relations and public affairs and along the way decided to study law.  My principal work these days is in human rights law, specifically with refugees and asylum seekers.

I served for four years as Commissioner for Victims and Survivors of the conflict in the north of Ireland, twenty years as a Magistrate and was also a Commissioner on the Northern Ireland Judicial Appointments Commission.

I’m co-founder of Women in Media Belfast, a community interest company dedicated to supporting women in their media careers and amplifying the voices of women on air, digitally and in print.

Please get in touch via the contact form