He Could Have Done the State a Service. Instead He Took Care of His Own Future As Taoiseach

Summary

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RISING to deliver his fourth and most momentous Budget, Brian Cowen yesterday attained the most commanding position of his political career to date. This first budget after the Celtic Tiger years inaugurates the economic era to follow. Politically though, it is as great a landmark for the premiership of Bertie Aherns presumptive successor.

If Brian Cowen is to be the States 11th Taoiseach, this Budget marks, in all but name, the first day of his control of the Government, so completely does the coalition now depend on his leadership for its viability. In such newly difficult times, responsibility for the economy could have sunk a Finance Minister unable to manage expectations that might not change as rapidly as economic fortunes already have.

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Extract

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He Could Have Done the State a Service. Instead He Took Care of His Own Future As Taoiseach

An electorate that was promised tax cuts was instead burdened with tax rises. But the sting of such disappointments was dissipated in advance through weeks of skilful preparation and careful briefings.

Little of the pain was unexpected after being trailed before the public, one way o...

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