There have been achievements amid austerity

As we celebrate or perhaps mark the second anniversary of the current Government coming into power, a lot seems to have happened since the Coalition assumed office with such a strong working majority.

Many difficult and unpopular decisions have been taken, including perhaps the most contentious of all, the residential property tax which is due on Jul 1.

Not surprisingly, the popularity of the Government has taken a serious battering. It would be very strange indeed if a government forced to take so many difficult decisions was able to maintain its popularity. It should never be forgotten that the Government, coming into power two years ago, inherited the biggest economic and financial mess that any government in the history of the State has ever been forced to inherit. In this context, it is a bit rich and more than a bit galling to hear the self-righteous indignation of many Fianna Fáil politicians on a whole range of issues. One hopes that the electorate might have a better memory when it comes to the crunch.