The latest Irish Times/Ipsos opinion poll has shown the Government parties under pressure - they should not respond by trying to buy the support of voters
Politically difficult though it may be, Michael McGrath and Pachal Donohoe should insist that spending does not exceed the agreed limits and “once-off” supports are less than last year’sConsidering the options: budget ministers Paschal Donohoe and Michael McGrath face a tough week of talks with Cabinet colleagues .
The findings of this week’s Irish Times/Ipsos poll demonstrates the extent of the tide in favour of spending the resources they have, and the limited extent of the constituency for fiscal prudence. Offered various budget options, just eight per cent of voters opted for saving surplus resources to invest in the future – far behind immediate help with the cost of living , reducing tax and increasing spending on public services .
Politically difficult though it may be, McGrath and Donohoe should insist that spending does not exceed the limits already set and the “once-off” cost of living supports are less than last year’s €4 billion. That would still be a very substantial increase in permanent spending and a hefty package of giveaways. But it would also enable the two men to put away windfall corporation tax revenues for future use.
Sticking to prudence is a political as well as an economic counsel: if voters want spendthrift options, there are plenty of them around. The only way forward for the Government is to win the argument for a sensible fiscal policy, and then implement it.
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