EDITORIAL: Budget 2025 was the same script with new actors but no modern twist

There is a difference between helping and a photo-op and we can be certain the Government knows this. 

This year’s budget was underwhelming and predictable, and few were impressed. But it had a clear purpose and was designed to appeal to certain groups of the electorate.

Simon Harris’s young, new energy seems to have gone on to power the old Fine Gael election show. 

Same script, new actors, no modern twist though. 

But all anyone is talking about is the infamous bike shed and magnetic phone pouches.

And last week’s budget has done nothing to distract the public.

Here is the problem and the point we must all hold onto. 

Showboating obscures real problems. 

The fact of the matter is that we do need more people off the roads and travelling sustainably.

And the Government should lead the way. However, it is poor leadership to use €336,000 on a bike shed at Leinster House.

Children are too attached to their phones, they are a distraction in class and mobiles do have a detrimental effect on young people’s mental health. 

We can’t tell you what the solution is but we know headline-grabbing magnetic pouches are not it. Talk to teachers. We’d bet they can tell you where to put that money if you really want to help. 

When it comes to housing, health and other crises, Ministers are always saying they must use public money responsibly. We must follow expert advice, evidence-based solutions, and initiatives should be value for money. 

Why would the environment and education be different? 

There is no money for mental health services for any age group, but there is for bike sheds and phone pouches.

And who is surprised? We have seen this all before, and lessons do not ever seem to be learned. 

Perhaps it is not an election we need but a good old-fashioned audit.