Cautious Cowen has a unique opportunity

NEXT Wednesday Finance Minister Brian Cowen will present his last Budget before next year’s General Election.

His task will be a pleasant one, as he has huge resources at his disposal and his only real issue is how he will dish it out. In fact, it is certainly the case that never before has an Irish finance minister had so many resources at his disposal.

One thing Mr Cowen should be mindful of is the fact that being in such a strong financial position is not par for the course and he definitely finds himself in quite a unique situation. Consequently, it is incumbent on him to make sure that he uses the opportunity wisely.