Fergus Finlay: How do ministers fight it out ahead of the budget?

It’s hard to imagine a less strategic way of managing the country’s money and getting the most out of it than the annual Budget, writes Fergus Finlay

Around this time every year, the minister for public expenditure Jack Chambers sends a letter to every department warning of hell fire and perdition if swingeing cuts aren’t made in the year's budget. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

“I have to tell you minister, this is a grave and serious moment. The contents of this folder are deeply consequential for this department and its work. We have outlined a series of absolute priorities which must be achieved in this process.” 

Having delivered himself of this speech, the general secretary of the department handed the file to his waiting minister. As the minister stood to leave, the general secretary added: “It’s probably not too much to say, minister, that the department views this process and its outcome as little less than a test of your virility.”