Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) President Jack O'Connor has warned that the kind of unity necessary for Ireland to overcome its current economic difficulties will not happen without the involvement of the trade union movement.

The President of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is calling on the Government not to target low-paid workers in the name of job creation.

Around 1,500 people have taken part in demonstrations outside Leinster House to coincide with the start of the new political term.

The country's largest trade union has described as 'madness' Aer Lingus' decision to axe three transatlantic routes for the winter.