We are paying a heavy price for the unsustainable cost of government

Over the past two weeks the Government has spun the message that previous fiscal targets are to be relaxed. An exchequer annual deficit of 9.5% or €17.5bn could stretch to 12%. We are now embarking along the same road as the 1980s

ONE of the best pieces of business advice I ever got was from Fergal Quinn. “Always focus on your cash flow,” he said.

Regardless of whether a business is expanding rapidly, retrenching or consolidating — you have to ensure in all circumstances you have sufficient cash to get through the following six to 12 months. This advice applies equally to the Government.