Book of Estimates - No surprises but poverty still common

WITH the State coffers literally awash with money, it is unsurprising that Finance Minister Brian Cowen yesterday unveiled plans to splash out on frontline public services like health, crime, housing, education and transport in next month’s budget, the last before the 2007 general election.

In the fortunate position of having the kind of revenue that every finance ministers dreams of, the Book of Estimates reflects his awareness of the need to deliver greater resources to such key groups as nurses, teachers, gardaí, schoolchildren, and commuters.

A shrewd politician and widely favoured to succeed Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach, the minister has left little scope for opposition criticism. He knows taxpayers want better value for money and need to be convinced this Government is capable of funding the day-to-day cost of running the country in a responsible, sustainable and prudent manner.