Bank salaries - Bring them to heel, Mr Lenihan

THREE weeks from today Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan will introduce a budget that will have a significant impact on virtually every individual in this country.

It will be painful and divisive and most likely it will lead to a number of public protests. It is not at all certain that the Government will survive its introduction.

If it is to satisfy the imperatives of the day — rescuing our economic independence by beginning a process to stabilise public finances — it will require considerable public support. No matter how grudgingly this might be given, it will be required.