The hard facts: A tale of two ministers

Michael Noonan’s measured, almost subdued tone belied some swingeing attacks on families, wealthier older people and workers.

By contrast his coalition colleague Brendan Howlin spoke of his fears, a nation’s pride at sacrificing benefits and an end to unjustifiable spending.

Here is how the two men introduced a budget with €1.25 billion in new taxes and €2.25 billion less money coming from government.