The Belfast Telegraph has poached a national newspaper journalist to become its new political editor.

Award-winning Liam Clarke is a former Ireland correspondent and Northern Ireland editor for The Sunday Times as well as a high-profile commentator on politics across Ireland.

He is also the author of two books on Sinn Fein and has built a reputation for investigating political and security issues.

Editor Mike Gilson said he was delighted that such a ‘high-calibre journalist’ as Liam was joining the paper.

He said: “This is a real statement of intent that the Belfast Telegraph will keep its focus on journalism and uncovering the stories our reader should know about.”

Liam added: “This is an exciting era to be a journalist in Northern Ireland and the Belfast Telegraph is an exciting place to be.

“Our society, our media and our politicians all have to deal with the exacting challenges of a still divided community, economic slowdown and rapidly changing social attitudes.

“Like many people I have always respected Telegraph as a beacon of independent minded commentary and objective reporting. Under Mike Gilson’s leadership, the paper has built on those strengths.”

The paper has also announced that Lindsay Fergus has been appointed to the post of education correspondent.