SIPTU president Jack O'Connor has said that he's running for the position of Labour party chairman.

Mr O'Connor said he is going for the position because we are currently at a unique point in Irish history.

He also said that he is working on a manifesto which will call for full collective bargaining for workers and an end to homelessness by 2022.

Mr O'Connor said he had informed the party of his intentions yesterday evening and would be seeking nominations for the position. 

The vote is set to take place at the Labour party conference in the spring. 

Jack O'Connor is in his third term as SIPTU president, having first been elected to the role in 2003, securing re-election in 2006 and 2011.