Jim Power: Housing policy based on shaky foundations

As we approach the end of 2016, it is clear that our weak and fractured Government faces immense challenges in 2017 and one would have to question its chances of survival. More pertinently, if it does actually survive, one would have to question if it actually has the strength and coherence to govern the country in a sensible and prudent manner. I fear not.

The public sector unions are jumping on the weak government bandwagon at the moment and are quite simply looking for pay increases that will either soak up all available fiscal resources over the next couple of years, or force a significant reduction in the quantity and quality of public services.

In an environment of scarce fiscal resources, there is a choice between increasing public sector pay, cutting back on public services, or increasing the tax burden. Different people will have different views on which of these choices would be preferable, but such choices will have to be made.