Ministers facing tough questions

IT would be difficult to exaggerate the contrast between the upbeat political climate when Government ministers decamped for long summer holidays and the dark storm clouds gathering over today’s Cabinet meeting as they preside over an economy now in crisis.

Right across the board, from health, to education, transport, justice, tourism and agriculture, the picture could hardly be more depressing.

After promising voters everything was rosy, the Coalition is embarking on a policy of swingeing cuts in virtually every department. As they gather around the Cabinet table, Ministers have serious questions to answer.