Government swallows bitter pills to display their fiscal responsibility

THIS Government preaches fiscal responsibility from a high pulpit — but then it can be capable of collapsing like a cheap suit when demands for extra cash are put its way. We saw it this week, somewhat bizarrely, with a decision taken on vitamins.

It all raises interesting questions as to the exact centrality of the command structure within Government, and how much autonomy Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe does or does not enjoy. Needless to say the Taoiseach of the day is always seen as the ultimate boss but in each administration there is a different dynamic in the relationship between the Taoiseach and his Minister for Finance.