Elaine Loughlin: From concussion to resignation – Budget Day's chequered past

When Paschal Donohoe and Michael McGrath get to their feet, they will follow a long line of (all male) ministers who have sometimes slashed and burned, other times doled out sweeties, all in a bid to keep the economy going

Elaine Loughlin: From fiscal rectitude and rainy day funds; from bonanzas and mottos of 'spend it when we have it', right the way back to tightening our belts, budgets pack in a lot.

Like a stomach-churning roller-coaster, budgets follow our financial ups and downs.

From fiscal rectitude and rainy day funds; from bonanzas and mottos of 'spend it when we have it', right the way back to tightening our belts, budgets pack in a lot.