[2] Donald Macintyre, in an obituary in The Independent, described him as "the most recognisable and respected broadcast political journalist since World War II.

[4] Cole started his career in print journalism in 1945, aged 17, joining the Belfast Telegraph as a reporter and industrial correspondent.

When Hetherington left in 1975, Cole was in the running for the editorship, but failed to secure the post, for reasons which may have included his commitment to the cause of unionism in Northern Ireland, as well as what was seen by some as inflexibility and a lack of flair.

[4] Unwilling to continue at The Guardian, Cole then joined The Observer as deputy editor under Donald Trelford, remaining there for six years.

[4] Peter Preston, who beat Cole to the editorship of The Guardian, describes him as "a great labour correspondent", "a driving news editor" and "a vivid presence" at the newspaper.

[7] Colleague David McKie wrote that one of his strengths was "to ask the awkward question that punctured glib assumptions and casual simplicities.

[5] Cole commented on his switch from print to television journalism: "The invitation to have a ringside seat for what must be the most fascinating period in modern politics was irresistible.

[3][5][9] An astute observer of the political scene, Cole was one of the earliest to forecast Thatcher's resignation as Prime Minister in 1990,[3][4][5] in what McKie refers to as "perhaps his greatest exclusive.

[3] Cole established a strong reputation for his "gentle but probing" interviewing style, for his political assessments,[5] and for presenting analysis rather than "bland reporting.

[5][10] He retired as political editor in 1992 (aged 65), compulsory at that date,[5] but continued to appear on television, including making programmes on golf and travel.

[4][13] In 2007 he wrote an article for the British Journalism Review, blaming both politicians and the media for the fact that parliamentarians were held in such low esteem, being particularly scathing of Alastair Campbell's influence during Tony Blair's premiership.

"[15] The Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said that Cole was "an extremely able journalist but also extraordinarily helpful and generous to a young politician.