Jack O’Connor will step down from his role as SIPTU General President today (Thursday, 14th December) following a meeting of the Union’s National Executive Council. He has served three consecutive 6-year terms as a National Executive Officer, including 14 and a half years as General President. From mid-2007 to mid-2011 O'Connor was also Vice President, and then President, of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. 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. Joe Cunningham who was recently elected General Secretary Designate will be the Union’s spokesperson on General Policy. Prior to his election, he was Head of the Union’s Organising Department since 2010 and he also previously served as Regional Secretary for the west of Ireland.