Trade unionist Mick Lynch says governments are 'making landlordism a virtue' 

Exploitation of the working classes is rampant according to Mr Lynch, visiting Cork, the city of his father's birth, to receive the Spirit of Mother Jones Festival award

Mick Lynch, at Cork's Spirit of Mother Jones Festival, said landlordism is being promoted by banks, politicians, and some media commentators. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Outspoken trade unionist Mick Lynch has warned that governments in Ireland and Britain are "marking landlordism a virtue" by not building enough local authority housing.

He made the remarks in Cork, the city of his father's birth, where he was receiving the annual Spirit of Mother Jones Festival Award, which acknowledges those who fight for an equal society.