The former Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern, recently shared his memories of spending time with David Davin-Power just before the broadcaster’s passing in Bon Secours hospital, Dublin. Davin-Power, aged 72, was renowned for his leading role in the RTÉ’s coverage from Belfast during the events that led up to the Good Friday Agreement.
Living close to Davin-Power in Drumcondra, Ahern did not forget the delightful Christmas celebrations with Davin-Power’s family and fellow broadcasters. Ahern expressed his deep sympathies to Davin-Power’s wife, Dearbhla Collins, and their five children. In a recent conversation on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, he revealed, “I managed to spend time with him on the eve of his death, thanks to Dearbhla. He sent me a text just the previous night. His sudden departure was rather difficult for the family.”
It saddened Ahern deeply to lose Davin-Power in the same year as fellow broadcasters Charlie Bird and Tommie Gorman, all of whom he had interacted with on matters regarding Northern Ireland. He reflected, “To lose three amazing individuals in one year is really tragic.”
Ahern also took a trip down memory lane, recalling the tough week leading up to the Good Friday Agreement on April 10th, 1988. Journalists, including Davin-Power, spent an entire week in the chilly car park of the Stormont Buildings in Northern Ireland amidst continuous political discussions.
“A week in that freezing car park must have been really brutal for him,” Ahern commented. He also reminisced about Davin-Power’s feats as RTE’s northern editor, who reported on significant events such as the multi-party talks in 1991/92, the Downing Street Declaration in 1993, the ceasefires in 1994, and finally political agreement talks from 1995.
Following his passing, Davin-Power was honoured through a series of tributes, which was initiated by President Michael D Higgins. In a public announcement, the President referred to him as an adept media broadcaster and a consistent figure in numerous people’s lives, either through radio or television.
Simon Harris, the Taoiseach, stated that through Davin-Power’s lengthy career as a broadcaster and journalist, his name became trusted and familiar in homes nationwide. His in-depth familiarity with Dáil, coupled with his latent wit and insightful column writing in recent years were also highlighted by Mr. Harris.
During the periods we were engaged in reforming the policing system, he was a steady presence. He became a frequent news feature every evening. His unique knowledge set him apart, leading international journalists frequently to seek his perspective, as he was a constant presence on the ground.