I spent Christmas without electricity, as did many other people. We are all likely to be customers of Bord Gais Energy, the newly privatised former arm of Bord Gais.

Again, tobacco has been hit in the Budget. It’s time to recognise, finally, the ongoing demonisation of tobacco is a conspiracy designed to divert attention from more serious health dangers, principally, the petrol driven motor car.

It is to be hoped that Government will emerge from their financial stupor, over the coming days, and make provision for the payment of a Christmas welfare bonus, in December.