Siptu stalwart Jack O'Connor to step down as its president

SIPTU HAS ANNOUNCED that it’s long-time general president Jack O’Connor is stepping down.

The decision was made today following a meeting of the union’s national executive council.

He has served three consecutive six-year terms as a national executive officer, including 14 and a half years as general president.

O’Connor has also served as president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Newly-elected secretary designate Joe Cunningham will be the union’s spokesperson on general policy.

Siptu said: “While he is stepping down on completion of his third term, he is not retiring and will continue to work for the union in another capacity.”

The veteran union head has been touted as a potential candidate for the Labour Party in the next general election.

Read: ‘A vote of confidence’: Bus Éireann wins rights to run five bus routes in Waterford

Read: RTÉ is reviewing its €13 million orchestras but it could have a fight on its hands