Your tributes to Sir Robin Day

The broadcaster, Sir Robin Day, has died at the age of 76 after a short illness.

Famed for his incredible interrogation skills, Sir Robin was best-known for his many years presenting BBC One's Question Time and Panorama and of course for his trademark spotted bow-ties.

What are your memories of the Grand Inquisitor? Which of his famous political interviews sticks out most in your memory?

This Talking Point is now closed. A selection of your e-mails are posted below.

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I remember him interviewing Sir John Nott and calling him a here today gone tomorrow politician - it was ever so funny.
Ian Watkins , Wales

Bow ties will never be the same again. A great broadcaster.
Gavin Culloty, UK

If the BBC don't put a statue up for you alongside Reith they deserve to be whipped!

Mike Farman, New Zealand

As I left Broadcasting House in 1988,struggling with a pile of personal belongings, Sir Robin held the door open for me, grinned and said: "Well, your off are you? New Zealand isn't it?" Gonna be the DG of NZBC hey! "We shook hands and I thanked him warmly
Sir Robin was simply a unique man and a unique broadcaster. My wife Carolyn Leany for 10 years worked on the World at One desk and was a 'gopher' for the great man. She says he never failed to treat her with great kindness and respect. In particular when the pressure was on....
I never made DG Sir Robin! But I learnt from you that journalism was more than ego, it was decency, cleverness, humour and an unfailing curiosity for the vagaries of politics and life. By the way, you also had a great affection and flair I recall for the ladies. They in return were completely charmed by your attention and warmth. Fresh generations have and will produce great journo's but if the BBC don't put a statue up for you alongside Reith they deserve to be whipped!
Mike Farman, New Zealand

He was a brilliant journalist and will be remembered as the best Chairman Question Time ever had. He was wonderfully rude to people who waffled!
Jason Thomas Williams, UK

I was thoroughly addicted to "Question Time" when Sir Robin Day was the chairman. I'm not sure what it was but I remember this man as someone with a unique gift and charm as a BBC celebrity. He was a man who deeply respected the people he interviewed even though he was tough at times. I found his autobiography "The Grand Inquisitor" a thoroughly good read and think he was great.
Philip S. Hall, UK

I hope the BBC does find someone who can now accompany Jeremy in this quest for the truth

Derek Bird, UK

Robin Day and Jeremy Paxman have been the only two on TV to pursue politicians to the bitter end thereby ensuring that they do give open and honest answers to questions they do not wish to confront. Robin started this trend and I hope the BBC does find someone who can now accompany Jeremy in this quest for the truth. If not, we the people will suffer from an increasing arrogance amongst politicians who use our votes to get into power, but who then ignore us in the pursuit of their own political and personal objectives. Long live the tradition that Sir Robin has given us as his personal legacy. I thank him.
Derek Bird, UK

In 1973 I was a young inexperienced production secretary on a series of Radio 4 programmes chaired by Sir Robin called 'Politics in the Seventies.' Contributors to the debates included Michael Foot, Reginald Maudling, Enoch Powell and Roy Jenkins. I had only just joined the BBC and was very nervous about working with him. So nervous that when he dictated notes for the following weeks' programme I completely froze and barely managed to get a sentence down. The following week he strode into our tiny office on the 7th floor of Broadcasting House and sat down opposite me. I handed him the incomplete notes muttering apologies (expecting to be sacked on the spot). His face was only 2-3 feet from mine - he peered over his glasses, just as I had seen him do to so many politicians when he was about to go for the jugular - then a big broad smile and a twinkle in his eye as he said "I'm not as ferocious as I look my dear." Sir Robin was a gentleman who always made the point of thanking everyone after each recording.
Jacqueline O'Gorman (nee Ellis), England

How we used to love to watch the politicians squirm!

Duncan Murrell, UK/ USA

I am temporarily resident in the USA and Sir Robin's passing reminds me that there are no broadcasters over here who can truly connect politicians with the general public to nurture some degree of populist appeal in politics which is so sadly lacking. Sir Robin brought both edification and entertainment to the murky realms of politics with his no holds barred questioning. His trademark bow ties reminded us that behind that often-intimidating look there was a certain brand of flamboyant impishness. Oh, and how we used to love to watch the politicians squirm! Thank you Sir Robin.
Duncan Murrell, UK/ USA

I appreciated his ability as an interviewer, but it was on "Question Time" that he really stood out - what a guy! A wit, a strong personality and the ability to chair debates like I doubt we will ever see again on British TV.
Jeremy Goodchild, Argentina

Who will ever forget his swing-o-meter in the 1966 Election? It was the beginning of the prediction of trends that led to slide rules on election night and then to computer calculations all before the results were in.
John Murray, Canada

Bow ties will never be the same again on TV.
John Suchez, UK

Sir Robin had no rivals. I loved his gravely voice, the quizzical look and the quick wit. I tried never to miss Radio 4's "The World At One" when he was presenting. He was a superb political ringmaster on "Question Time." British general election coverage won't be the same without him. He belonged to that pantheon of broadcasters that includes Richard Dimbleby, William Hardcastle and Kenneth Allsop.
John O'Byrne, Dublin, Ireland

An institution in his own right, he was one of those British icons that I grew up with. A sad loss.
Mark M. Newdick, USA/UK

We no longer get from the political interviewers of today the same in depth demand for an answer that makes sense

M. E Ridley, England

The sad loss of Sir Robin Day effects all of us who are concerned about the way this country is being taken. We no longer get from the political interviewers of today the same in depth demand for an answer that makes sense. This gentleman would I doubt find it very difficult to work for the BBC (Blair Broadcasting Corp) of today. His death is a further loss of democracy in this country! Sadly missed but not forgotten.
M. E Ridley, England

He was simply the best when it came to grilling politicians, particularly when he was trying to get the right answers out from them, will be missed immensely by all.
Parrie Dha, UK

A rare breed of interviewer he never let go until he got the right answer to his question. Our loss is Heaven TV's gain.
Graham, UK

He came across to me as a very arrogant, rude and irascible man... But his interviews were always to be savoured and never willingly missed.
David, London, UK

A sad loss, especially as today more than ever we see the need to get behind the presentation of policy which has become all important to what is actually going on in the minds of our elected representatives. Sir Robin was a man who could outwit the evasive tactics, and yet be respected at the same time.
Ken Beach, Germany

A very human man I thought, to think of such commonplace matters when faced with the great politicians and statesmen

Steve Foley, England

As an ordinary man in the street I met Sir Robin Day, then just Robin Day once. At a party conference in Brighton in the 1970s at which I was a delegate, I had got into the lift at the Metropole Hotel, which then hosted such events when Robin Day got in. I said, "good morning Mr Day" as was common courtesy. He replied, then asked me if I had eaten a decent breakfast. Replying that my far more modest hotel had done me proud in that regard he replied at length about the shortcomings of his breakfast at a more opulent venue. A very human man I thought, to think of such commonplace matters when faced with the great politicians and statesmen.
Steve Foley, England

I've been living in New York City since 1963, a former Brit and now a US citizen. Robin Day was in a class by himself as an interviewer; there is no-one who comes even close over here.
Dudley Stone, USA

Sir Robin was a breath of fresh air - thank goodness that his style caught with the likes of Paxman and Humphry's who are able successors to incisive journalism which is the heartbeat of an informed democracy.
Paul McNutt, Germany

My interest in Current Affairs as a boy was kindled by Sir Robin. He had the kind of gravitas that instantly earns respect. Later, I like so many others grew to appreciate his intellect and his incisive style of questioning. He always got politicians to answer the question, with the one exception of John Nott who walked out of the studio. He was perhaps the only interviewer who could make Mrs Thatcher squirm in her seat; the rest she had for breakfast. TV journalism is a poorer place with Sir Robin's passing. Sir Robin ranks alongside the true broadcasting great's.
Calvin Palmer, USA ex UK

I shall never forget the interview with Sir John Nott in 1982 when he called him a 'here today, gone tomorrow politician'. John Nott got up and walked out¿ It was very funny. He was truly the best broadcaster.
Martin Ashton, UK

Without heavyweights such as he, politics in this country is that little bit poorer - and less democratic

Paul, UK

Sir Robin had the authority and experience to engender respect, reverence, and not a little fear, in his interviewees, and one always knew he would not let someone off the hook without good reason. He made politics interesting, as it should be, in order to enfranchise the average viewer in the political process. Without heavyweights such as he, politics in this country is that little bit poorer - and less democratic.
Paul, UK

He played a superb hand in making politicians accountable to the people they represent. He did this without belittling them or their views. This was an important balance to the many satirical programmes that attacked the high and mighty from the 60s onwards. Satire was important in bringing the politicians back to earth but it did not allow the viewer constructive analysis and participation in the political process. Sir Robin succeeded in bringing politics back to the people. He will be sadly missed.
Kenneth Little, United Kingdom.

He epitomised all that was great about the BBC. His world-wide audience will miss him. Sir Robin Day got the politicians talking in a way that most could understand. By getting them to explain the effects of policies to the nation, and justify their actions, he made a unique contribution to our democracy. A thorough professional, he was well prepared, interested, knowledgeable, informative and entertaining. He set a standard few in the world get to achieve. He radiated decency, integrity, and empathy - all qualities that properly sum up the phrase "gentleman". From one of his Irish fans, presently in Armenia.
Liam Coughlan, Armenia

Though he studied law and could have become a popular lawyer, his first love was journalism. Thank God for it!

Albert Devakaram, India

Sir Robin Day was undoubtedly Britain's best political journalist, both TV and radio. I can't think of anyone else who has quizzed politicians of all hues better than this great personality, who enjoyed bullying them with elementary queries which they at times found extremely uncomfortable to answer. Though he studied law and could have become a popular lawyer, his first love was journalism. Thank God for it! He was a perfect journalist, who took a lot of care to thoroughly research his theme before interviewing anyone. His passing away is a big loss to the world of journalism.
Albert Devakaram, India

I left England 30 years ago to live in Cape Town. Sir Robin Day personifies for me part of that which was great about the "old" England. His passing, together with that of Sir Alec Guinness and so many others over the years, leaves a further hole in the wonderful fabric of the England that I remember so dearly. He will be sadly missed by many of us ex-pats.
Robert Winfield, South Africa

As a child of nine or ten years old I remember Robin Day standing in the snow of Red Square reporting on a visit of Harold Macmillan to Russia. It was then that I started to develop a life long interest in politics.
Gerard Curran, Australia

He didn't judge, but gave the viewers the power to judge

John Branston, Germany ex UK

Question Time was my political awakening. Sir Robin knew all the guests' true beliefs, motives and characteristics, and spent the duration of the show laying these bare to the viewing public in a way that no-one has managed since. He didn't judge, but gave the viewers the power to judge.
John Branston, Germany ex UK

Sir Robin was an undisputed master of political interviewing who made politicians squirm with seemingly little effort and who captivated his audience with his style and grace. Many have tried to emulate him but none have succeeded. He will be sorely missed.
Paul R, UK

My first memory of Sir Robin is from when I was 4 or 5 years old. I wore a bow tie and, at bed time, I was allowed to stay up "late" until I had caught a glimpse of the man on TV who also wore a bow tie. (I think Panorama was on at about 8 pm in the late sixties/early seventies.) He was my favourite person on TV because of his bow-tie and the fact that I stayed up late when he was on. I hope he has some suitably taxing questions for The Boss when he reaches his final destination.
Douglas Stewart, New Zealand

I was a trainee on The World at One in 1985 - On my first day he came up to me and said "Hello, we've not met. I'm Robin Day." I never forgot the simple kindness of the truly great.
Richard Quest, USA/UK

In order to thrive, democracy needs the Robin Day's of the world.

June Simpson, US, UK citizen

A formidable interviewer, Sir Robin will be sadly missed. He made Question Time compulsive viewing in our house. He was one of the few who did not seem either in awe of or intimidated by Margaret Thatcher. In order to thrive, democracy needs the Robin Day's of the world.
June Simpson, USA (temporarily) UK citizen

In an English exam at Dynevor School Swansea, I wrote an essay in response to some question on the subject of television. My essay was entitled "Why does Robin Day wear that spotted bow-tie". I was given an exceptionally high mark for unconventional choice of topic- the year was 1963, his hey day as Panorama's superb political surgeon that makes Larry King look like Goldilocks. P.S. I'm sure that's where Larry King got the idea of the bow-tie. Robin Day a brilliant sharp edge. We need people like him.
Steve Evans, Canada

Robin Day? He personified the solid reliable news and commentary of the BBC. In the early days of TV News and Topical Interviewers, he and Richard Dimbleby were the face and sound of broadcasting. (Not to forget Sylvia Peters.) Two grand English gentlemen have left us in the past couple of days...Robin Day and Alec Guinness.... Will we see their like again? I hope so.
Patricia van der Veer, A Brit temporarily resident in Canada

A great figure of a man in the history of broadcast. A great loss of inspiration. God bless this great man.
W Nasser, Liverpool, England

He was a good friend, a wise mentor and an immensely entertaining companion

Joshua Rozenberg, UK

He was a good friend, a wise mentor and an immensely entertaining companion. He remained fascinated by the law and by lawyers to the last. He was immensely clubbable and loved few things more than a good argument - not winning it, but just the pleasure of taking part.
Joshua Rozenberg, UK

RIP Sir Robin. He was the man who brought politics to life for me when I was growing up. Never mind all the Paxmans and John Humphreys - they couldn't hold a candle to Robin Day; they broke the mould after they made him. A sad loss made doubly poignant coming on the same day as we bade farewell to Sir Alec Guinness.
Mike Seymour, UK

I would have loved to see him take on Tony Blair. Master of his arts in a world of interviewing and political pygmies.
Richard Medlycott, UK

Good-bye to a unique man who blazed the way for the Humphreys and Paxmans of this world

Adrian Yalland, UK

Good-bye to a unique man who blazed the way for the Humphreys and Paxmans of this world - who never seem to quite match him. He was loved and hated, feared and respected by all that he interviewed. What a shame he has passed. Politics was never the same after he retired, and I fear political journalists have a great way to go to match him.
Adrian Yalland, UK

Robin Day was "Question Time". It has been a pale shadow ever since. Politicians may have sighed with relief at his passing, but the world of political journalism is poorer today.
Chris Klein, UK

I will never forget Sir Robin's interview during the beginning of the Falklands Conflict with the then Defence Minister. During the interview Sir Robin asked the Minister if he was going to resign over his handling of the build-up of tension at which the minister got up and left the studio! Sir Robin was super-cool and said, "it seems the Minister has a another pressing appointment". Just as if it was a normal everyday event. What a great man Sir Robin was, one of broadcasting greats.
K. Jackson, USA ex UK

"Charisma" is an often-overworked word but it applied to Sir Robin. He had great charm, courtesy and a ready, quick wit as K. Jackson's submission amply illustrates. I hope he has a worthy successor somewhere.
Susan Bailey, Bermuda

It is with much sadness I learned about the death of Sir Robin Day. He taught us the art of listening without being submissive . The skill of finding out the truth without humiliating his opponents. He gave respect and voice to the high and mighty and equally so to the very ordinary person. A majestic man of many talents and he will be very badly missed.
Mike Mehdi, Lebanon

We have lost an incisive interviewer and a true champion of parliamentary democracy. He was formidably well-informed, holding a candle to many current interviewers. I had the pleasure of hosting Sir Robin at a 'Saint Edmund Day' dinner whilst I was a student at Saint Edmund Hall, Oxford, and had a brief political discussion with him during the taxi ride to the college. I will never forget that.
David Gillett, United Kingdom

When living in the UK ten years ago we repeatedly saw and heard Sir Robin Day. After having lived in the Republic of South Africa and listening to their media he was a breath of fresh air. A very sad loss for us all.
Richard Goodman, USA