Jim Power: Budget must reflect caution and conservatism, not populist heroics

When the finance minister stands up next Tuesday to deliver Budget 2017 — along with his colleague, the minister for public expenditure and reform — he will do so against the most favourable economic and fiscal backdrop in a number of years.

Notwithstanding this fact, it is also probably true to say that they will present the budget against a background of intense uncertainty and challenge.

Brexit, ongoing sterling weakness, the Apple tax ruling, growing unrest amongst some militant unions, and the strange complexion of the Dáil and the Government, immediately spring to mind. All of these issues should give deep cause for concern.