TRADE unions needed to rethink their roles in society radically if they were to remain relevant, Mr Phil Flynn has told the Impact trade union at its annual conference.
In his valedictory address as general secretary of the union, he said union leaders no longer spoke directly to any more than 6 or 7 per cent of members and they were going to "have to make a virtue of democracy" to survive.
He suggested they look at commissioning independent membership attitude surveys as a start towards making themselves more relevant.
It was typical of the man who spearheaded the creation of Ireland's largest public service union - and has often been the subject of controversy - that, in his final speech to the union he had helped found, the emphasis was on practical and hard hitting advice.
He recently stood down after serving four years as president and vice president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
Earlier yesterday, Ms Evelyn Owens, chairwoman of the Labour Court, described him as "the most inspired leader ICTU has had in my time".
Mr Flynn was vice president of Sinn Fein when he was appointed general secretary of the Local Government and Public Services Union 10 years ago.
Ms Owens said: "Phil took over in rather difficult circumstances, but everyone did consider in a very short time that he was the man for the job."
Referring to his recent appointment by the Government as chairman of the Industrial Credit Corporation, she added: "If Paddy Power had opened a book on Phil Flynn, he would not have had many people placing bets on him becoming head of a bank."
She presented Mr Flynn with a distinguished person's services award from the union and a 10 year ticket to FAI matches.
The incoming general secretary of Impact, Mr Peter McLoone, described his predecessor as "gutsy, fearless, ambitious" and "the best in the business. He has judgment second to none."
Mr McLoone wished Mr Flynn well and said he hoped the new greyhound he had bought would "burn up the tracks in Shelbourne Park, Harold's Cross and Dundalk".
Mr Flynn said parting was a "sweet sorrow", but he felt one person should not have a job like general secretary of a major union for more than 10 or 15 years. He paid tribute to his friends, union colleagues and family for their support.
"Inevitably there have been moments of high drama", he said. "I told one executive that `executives come and executives go, but I go on forever'. As so often, I exaggerated. But it was good while it lasted."