John Downing: Get ready to be bribed with your own money as the competition for votes intensifies

‘Prudent pair’ Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe will argue they can afford to offer a few giveaways in Budget 2025. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

John Downing

Once, years ago, I met an agriculture minister in the grounds of Leinster House and took the opportunity to ask about the opposition’s allegations that he was frontloading farm grants to “buy votes” in advance of local and European Parliament elections.

He laughed heartily, winked and said: “Ah no, – we were thinking of keeping back the money until we got the election out of the way. Now, can I do anything else for you today?”