Fergus Finlay: The stage is set for a giveaway budget to lure the voters

'With a bit of imagination, we could do this — make the budget last three months and keep our promises at the same time'

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins with Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin attending the UN General Assembly opening session at the United Nations Building in New York. Picture: Tony Maxwell/PA

You could nearly write a play about the Taoiseach’s current dilemma. One act, maybe. Suitable for the Amateur Dramatics Festival. I’d call it Channelling Charlie, and it might go like this.

The Scene: Government Buildings. The Taoiseach’s office. Simon Harris is at his desk. It is late in the evening but he’s still working. There’s a knock on the door and Micheál Martin comes in. They sit in armchairs in front of the fireplace.