Cowen Budget ‘won’t be dramatic’

FINANCE Minister Brian Cowen’s first Budget will not be dramatic, a leading economist told business people in Waterford city yesterday.

At a business breakfast organised by the Waterford Chamber of Commerce in association with the Irish Examiner, Ulster Bank’s chief economist Pat McArdle predicted Minister Cowen would have room for some additional spending and tax relief, but would not go far enough on capital programme spending.

“Minister Cowen has scope for a €500 million tax package, so we can all look forward to a reduction in our income tax bill this time round,” Mr McArdle said.