The first glimpse of Varadkarism

Many called it a boring budget, but it did give us a few early clues as to Leo Varadkar’s political train of thought

Paschal Donohoe and Leo Varadkar oversaw a budget which declined to rock the boat Pic: Naoise Culhane

During the recession-era budgets, TDs used to get angry phone calls to their offices and countless emails from unhappy lobby groups. One Fine Gael minister recalled how voters would pass by silently in the street and avoid making eye contact.

But Budget 2018 produced none of those reactions. There were no beating drums, no chants, and just one single protester outside Leinster House. Even the Dáil’s public gallery – normally ticket-only on budget ...