The Merrion Street mandarins have failed us – it’s time for a shake-out

THE mid-point of the year sees the publication of the half-year exchequer returns and CSO data on the economy. This will form the backdrop to the formation of December’s budget.

Next week the Department of Finance will circulate its strategic memo to shape 2011 expenditure plans. The Government has been softening up the public for tax hikes. A flat household charge of €175 for water and an average residential property tax of €1,000 per household are being promulgated. All the while, the Bord Snip Nua report continues to gather dust.

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan has announced an external independent group is to review the performance of the Department of Finance over the past decade.