#Budget18: Short on invention, it was more Denis Irwin than Lionel Messi

Extra gardaí were on hand but the hordes of Fanta-waving (sugar tax) tangerine-tinted (sun-bed tax) protesters failed to materialise, writes Lise Hand

The main character was delivering his final line. “We have achieved so much and we can, and will, achieve some more. This is why I commend Budget 2018 to the House,” proclaimed Paschal Donohoe.

Cue (some) applause, then half the House exeunt, pursued by a barely-raised eyebrow.