The veteran general secretary of the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) Jim Dorney is to retire after 25 years in the post. Mr Dorney will vacate the post in February.
Last night he said it was now opportune to retire after a long period at the helm; it was time to smell the roses, he said.
Mr Dorney faced some criticism within the union for his support of Government pay policy. This was particularly evident in 2001 when the TUI refused to support strike action by the ASTI.
The race to succeed him is already under way with the assistant general secretary, Declan Glynn, the early favourite for the post.
Mr Glynn is credited with a leading role in the TUI's successful campaign on school discipline. This prompted the Government to establish an expert group on the problem.
It eventually led to changes in legislation giving schools more power to expel or sanction disruptive pupils.
The success of the discipline campaign was seen as a great fillip to the TUI and helped to raise morale among the union.
The other main contender for the post is John MacGabhann, another assistant general secretary, and a highly articulate figure on education issues.
Other contenders include deputy general secretary Peter MacMenamin and assistant general secretary, Annette Dolan.
Last night, the TUI president, Tim O'Meara paid tribute to Mr Dorney. "Jim has advanced the case of teachers, lecturers and the education system in this country and is held in high esteem in both trade union and education circles. The executive committee and membership of the union are immensely grateful to him for his sterling service and wish him an active and enjoyable retirement."