Noonan in the ring

MOST people I have spoken lately regard the return of Michael Noonan as FG finance spokesperson as a positive development.

He is a straight talker and while some will be content to enjoy Noonan the entertainer most will want to see how he tackles the Government on fiscal matters and, more importantly, how he will mark Finance Minister Brian Lenihan as he prepares for December’s budget.

Richard Bruton never seemed to put Lenihan under any significant pressure, but I expect all that will change with Noonan in the ring.