Something for everyone in the audience, but is budget too late, late for coalition?

Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe: Such was the extent of the giveaway, Sinn Féin speakers were spotted in the Dáil crossing out large sections of their pre-prepared speeches, given their lines of attack had been neutralised. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

“Sure, we’ve out Shinnered the Shinners,” was the caustic quip from an ebullient backbench TD leaving the Dáil chamber on Tuesday afternoon.

As a veteran of more than 15 budgets, I have seen varying reactions from government TDs to announcements from their ministerial colleagues.