Former RTÉ broadcaster David Davin-Power dies aged 72

Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

Former broadcaster and political correspondent David Davin-Power has died aged 72.

The Dublin-born broadcaster was a presenter on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland programme and served as its Northern Ireland editor.

Former RTÉ News Six One newsreader Bryan Dobson paid tribute to Mr Davin-Power’s ability to make complex stories “immediately understandable” and to hone in “on what really mattered”.

He said Ireland had lost “a giant of public service broadcasting”.

Director-general of RTÉ Kevin Bakhurst said Mr Davin-Power had “one of the most incisive political brains at RTE and indeed in Ireland”.

“For many years, he was familiar to audiences, colleagues and politicians as insightful, eloquent and scrupulously fair. Off-screen, he was also funny, a great storyteller and was hugely loyal to colleagues, friends and to RTE itself.

“More than all of that, he loved his family and spoke of them with huge pride and joy.

“When I saw him in the summer he was already very ill but was on great form – wanting to talk politics: Irish, UK, US and of course RTE.

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

Taoiseach Simon Harris paid tribute to him as “a trusted name who was welcomed into homes across the country throughout his long career”.

“He was one of the first presenters of Morning Ireland, an accomplished Northern Editor of RTE at a key moment in history, a political correspondent who knew the Dail inside-out, and in recent years, a witty and insightful columnist.

“David 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.”

He is survived by his wife Dearbhla, his five children and his wider family.