Estimates 2006 - Not a Budget bonanza for everyone

FINANCE Minister Brian Cowen fired a muted but unmistakable election volley yesterday when he unveiled the Estimates for 2006 outlining extra Government spending in key problem areas of education, justice and health.

Under pressure to deliver long overdue promises, relieved Coalition backbenchers heard Mr Cowen announce that €48 billion, an extra €3.25bn (7%), will be spent on running the country next year.

But the minister dashed cold water on hopes that next month’s Budget would be a pre-Christmas bonanza for all.