Comment: Tax troubles could really cook Cowen’s goose

THE art of taxation was compared by the finance minister of King Louis XIV to plucking a goose: the aim is to get the most feathers with the smallest possible amount of hissing.

After fattening up during the Celtic Tiger years, it appears taxpayers will be plucked from all sides in December’s budget until the average family is left almost skinned of any of the benefits or services they enjoyed.

If the Commission for Taxation’s recommendations are endorsed, the Government will start pulling and tugging at the children’s allowance, family homes, free water, bin charges, pension plans and energy use.