Ex union leader appointed by Burton now wants Seanad seat

Former trade union leader David Begg has declared his intention to run in the Seanad elections.

The former head of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is currently the chairman of the Pensions Authority after being appointed by Tánaiste Joan Burton.

The move sparked allegations of cronyism and led to a motion of no confidence against the Labour Party leader.

Mr Begg said that if he is elected he will use the upper house to advocate for new development model based on small open economies of Northern Europe.

Last night the former Justice Minister Michael McDowell also announced that he is running in the contest also.