Former RTÉ journalist David Davin-Power dies aged 72

David Davin-Power was the broadcaster's senior political correspondent from 2001 to 2017. File Picture

Former RTÉ journalist David Davin-Power has passed away at the age of 72.

The journalist first came to prominence in the 1980s, with his work on the new RTÉ radio programme Morning Ireland alongside David Hanly.

After returning to RTÉ after a stint as Head of News at Century Radio, Mr Davin-Power was appointed as Northern Editor in 1991.

He worked in Northern Ireland throughout the peace process, culminating with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Mr Davin-Power then turned to Leinster House, becoming one of the broadcaster’s most senior political correspondents and covering the ups and downs of politics from 2001.

He retired from RTÉ in 2017, but continued to work in the media in the wake of his retirement. 

This included columns with the Irish Examiner, Irish Independent and the Times Ireland edition. He was also a frequent commentator on radio and television programming.

In a statement, Taoiseach Simon Harris said that Mr Davin Power was “always a consummate professional, a thorough journalist, and a gentleman”.

“He was a storyteller who was generous with his time, he was an interesting person who was interested in other people, and he was kind to those around him,” Mr Harris said.

He described him as a “trusted name who was welcomed into homes across the country throughout his long career”.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that he learned of the news of Mr Davin-Power’s passing “with great sadness”.

“David was thorough and razor sharp in his questioning and analysis, but fair. He was always driven to get to the bottom of every story he worked on.

“He had an outstanding ability to explain even the most complicated of stories, making the news accessible to all. His contribution to journalism was immense.” 

Former RTÉ presenter Bryan Dobson told Drivetime that he remembered Mr Davin-Power as a “great friend”.

“He was a really consummate broadcaster, wonderful broadcast journalist. I think, somebody who brought the art to its highest possible level really,” Mr Dobson said.

“People will know who listened to his broadcasts over the years, his ability to make sometimes very complex stories immediately understandable. He had a was of just distilling down to the essence of a news story, of honing in on what really mattered.”

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said that she was saddened to hear about Mr Davin-Power’s death, describing him as an influential journalist who “covered important events in modern times”.

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst said: “DDP possessed one of the most incisive political brains at RTÉ and indeed in Ireland.

“For many years, he was familiar to audiences, colleagues and politicians as insightful, eloquent and scrupulously fair.” 

Mr Bakhurst said that he met Mr Davin-Power in the summer, where he was already ill, but still “on great form”.

“Always with a glint in his eye, some mischief and his memorable laugh. We will all miss him hugely,” Mr Bakhurst added.

Mr Davin-Power is survived by his wife Dearbhla, alongside his five children: Nick, Julia, Caroline, Ben and Emily.