The only way is up for home property tax bills

As a member of the EU, the eurozone, and the OECD, Ireland does not lack for European economists to review the fiscal and expenditure decisions of our Government, and at times comment, recommend, and even insist on changes.

Being recent recipients of a Troika bailout merely adds to the level of scrutiny which must be suffered, an imposition which I suspect the outgoing Minister for Finance Michael Noonan won’t miss at all.

The latest recommendations from the EU Commission published last week seems at first glance to be bland and aspirational. Prioritising public investment in transport, water services, and innovation in particular in support of the small and medium size businesses could feature in the manifesto of almost any political party. It’s only when you drill into the analysis behind the recommendations that you realise what they’re really after.