Why committed Limerick trade unionist Frank McDonnell turned whistleblower 

After 60 years as a Siptu member, including long stints where he was the union’s foremost figure in Limerick, this is where it appears to have ended for Frank McDonnell. Picture: Brian Arthur

On 6 March last, Frank McDonnell got the train from Limerick to Dublin, the bus from Heuston to the city centre, and set up shop outside Liberty Hall. 

He stood near the entrance to the HQ of the biggest trade union in the country, Siptu, brandishing his notice. “Official Picket on here,” it read.