RTE broadcaster David Davin-Power dies aged 72

3 weeks ago 2

RTE broadcaster David Davin-Power has died aged 72.

David's broadcasting career began in the 1980s, when he joined Morning Ireland on RTE Radio 1.

In 1989, he left RTE for commercial radio station Century Radio, but returned to the national broadcaster in 1991 and was appointed as Northern Editor.

Read more: RTE's Sean O’Rourke feels grateful his six children had their grandad living with them for 10 years

Read more: RTE's Claire Byrne steps out with husband Gerry on red carpet for star-studded event

During his time spent in Belfast, David covered the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

He then returned to Dublin, working as a senior political correspondent until his retirement in 2017.

Known to his colleagues and pals as DDP, David continued to work in the media after stepping away from RTE, most notably as a columnist and political commentator.

Tributes have been pouring in for David from politicians and journalists across the country.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "As a journalist and broadcaster, David was a trusted name who was welcomed into homes across the country throughout his long career."

Tánaiste Micheál Martin added that David dedicated himself to his job and was committed to public service broadcasting, saying that "over four decades, David covered many of the stories that shaped modern Ireland".

11/4/2013
David Davin-Power of Griffith Avenue, Dublin, pictured leaving the Bridewell District Court in Dublin after a District Court appearance.Pic: Collins Courts

11/4/2013 David Davin-Power of Griffith Avenue, Dublin, pictured leaving the Bridewell District Court in Dublin after a District Court appearance.Pic: Collins Courts

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald described him as "an influential journalist and broadcaster who covered important events in modern times, including the early days of the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement."

Kevin Bakhurst, Director General of RTE said in a statement: "DDP possessed 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."

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.

Read Entire Article