Finance Minister forced to 'fudge' budget speech after behind-the-scenes row over 30% tax rate

In his budget day speech, Mr Donohoe only said his department will engage with the Revenue Commissioners on the necessary preparatory work, in advance of a policy decision being made by Government. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe was forced to “fudge” his budget speech’s reference to a 30% tax rate following a major behind-the-scenes disagreement with Fianna Fáil.

Several senior Government sources from across the coalition have confirmed that there was “a lot of political discussion” between the party leaders and senior ministers, with Fine Gael demanding a strong commitment to the tax rate in the context of next year’s budget.