RTE's Miriam O'Callaghan leads tributes to 'brilliant' David Davin-Power who has died aged 72

Miriam O'Callaghan and Bryan Dobson have led tributes to former RTE broadcaster David Davin-Power.

The esteemed political broadcaster and journalist has passed away aged 72.

Tributes have been pouring in from fellow journalists and colleagues at RTE, with Miriam O'Callaghan describing him as "incredibly sharp" while recently retired Bryan Dobson will miss his "great friend" dearly.

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"I was so shocked to hear this news, David was such a brilliant journalist, incredibly sharp in his analysis with a beautiful turn of phrase and a wonderfully supportive and caring colleague. My thoughts tonight are with his wife Dearbhla, his children and his entire family," Prime Time presenter Miriam posted on X.

Bryan, meanwhile, said it was "very sad" and "shocking news to hear", and will remember David as "first of all, a great friend, and a really consummate broadcaster".

David McCullagh said on social media: "The most erudite, witty colleague, always great fun and wonderful company. Gone far too soon."

Sarah McInerney added: "Very sad and shocking news this evening. David was a lovely man and passionate about his job; the voice of RTE's political coverage for many years. Ar dheis De go raibh a ainm."

Charlie McGinley wrote: "Very sorry to learn of the passing of former @rtenews journalist, David Davin Power. He was a highly talented, insightful and engaging journalist," while Ingrid Miley shared: "Such a loss... RIP."

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.

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.