Irish Examiner view: Some respite in hard times, and provision for rainy days ahead

Ministers fulfilled one purpose of the annual budget statement — to sound a positive and encouraging note for the public

People watching the live coverage on sites such as the Irish Examiner's or on TV got a positive message — but nobody is underestimating the challenges we may face in the near future. Picture: Stephen Collins

The statement to the Dáil made by the minister for finance at each budget serves several different purposes, all at the same time.

It forms part of a thread of continuity going back through the decades to previous budgets. It reveals both the passing interests of the day and the perennial challenges to the country. And, from the perspective of the Government of the day, it has a particular political purpose — the statement should sound a positive and encouraging note for the public.