budget 2024

Last budget before election creates irresistible temptation to spend, spend, spend

The desire to offset the overwhelming popularity of Sinn Féin makes it hard for government to listen to Eurogroup and Ifac calls for fiscal prudence

Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure and Michael McGrath, Minister for Finance. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

Michael McGrath, the Minister for Finance, and Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Public Expenditure, are flying off to Brussels this week for a Eurogroup meeting with fellow finance ministers.

McGrath, as the Irish national representative, and Donohoe as its president, have signed up to a work programme which commits them to a “more prudent fiscal policy” and avoiding “broad-based fiscal stimulus”.

But back at home, they will have to listen to more calls to “spend, ...