Cowen expected to keep finances tight in Budget

Speculation is growing that the Minister for Finance will not now be splashing out on Budget Day.

It had been expected that Brian Cowen would give away around €3bn in the December Budget, ahead of next year's general election.

But The Sunday Business Post said sources close to the Minister have indicated that he is aiming to keep the exchequer finances in surplus, and will therefore not be implementing the forecasted spending increases and tax cuts.

It is estimated that Mr Cowen will have around €2bn to play around with this December.