Irish Examiner view: Multiple choice questions for ministers

Budget 2023

Rising energy costs arre linked to the war in Ukraine.

On the eve of the most important budget for years, we are way past the point of acknowledging that old aphorism that the squeakiest wheel always gets the most grease. All four wheels are groaning with every turn, there are holes in the bodywork, and the brakes are not working because of the energy crisis and concomitant inflation.

A major job is required to repair three mega-trends running through our economy: A housing crisis that seems set to become worse; an ageing population, with the associated healthcare and pension challenges, and a climate revolution that requires radical action and societal change.