Like it or not, the budget is fast approaching and we must now resign ourselves to weeks of kite flying and rumors before the final details are announced.

Aside from the immediate effect on our pocket, the budget is also an historic moment in any government’s term, it has the ability to shape or shake the foundations of a government and if budget 2014 does just that, it wouldn’t be the first time…

Taking a look back at Ireland history of budget blunders and bonanzas Pat was joined for our regular history slot by historian and university lecturer, Diarmaid Ferriter.