Kildare resident aiming to become new chairman of the Labour Party

Kildare resident Jack O'Connor is reportedly ready to throw his hat into the ring to become the next chairman of the Labour Party.

According to the Irish Examiner, the Kilteel resident has contacted Labour leader Brendan Howlin to inform him that he will be running for the position when the Labour Party meet for their April conference.

O'Connor is currently the general president of SIPTU, a position he has held since 2003.

"Jack and I share the same broad world view, and he will make a very interesting candidate for Chair of the Labour Party,” remarked Brendan Howlin.

“We may not agree on every issue, but as the son of a trade unionist, I believe I could work very constructively with Jack, and that he will bring enormous experience to the role if elected,” he added.