Jim Power: We don't need the circus of Budget Day. We need long-term strategy

Fiscal policy should evolve on a strategic gradual basis and should not be subject to an annual spectacle in the Dáil

Mininster for Finance Pascal Donohue will deliver his Budget 2026 in just over five weeks. Does Ireland need a performative Budget Day presentation in the Dáil? Picture: Government Information Service

Mon, 01 Sep, 2025 - 06:10

Jim Power is a prominent Irish economist, consultant, and commentator known for his long-standing leadership roles and has authrored a number of landmark reports for key economic sectors.

With just five weeks to go to Budget 2026 and a little longer until the presidential election, these two topics will dominate economic and political discourse over the coming weeks.

Personally, I don’t see the point of an expensive presidency in the first place, but it is enshrined in our constitution. In relation to the annual budget, I see even less of a rationale for it.