Godfather of social partnership believes it is time for its rebirth

David Begg believes it is imperative that we create the impetus for better wage rates, writes Michael Clifford

David Begg sees turbulent times ahead, but he will be watching from afar.

In March, Begg steps down as general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions after 14 years at the helm. He leaves just as the economy looks like it is rearing its head out of recession. Six years of austerity are — we are told — coming to an end. But a constant refrain is that this is not yet being felt in the pockets of the workforce at large.