BUDGET 2018: PASCHAL’S EMPTY POCKETS SPARKS A RUN

What may happen: Stark warnings from Paschal Donohoe, who has replaced Michael Noonan, that the money has run out are ignored. Shane Ross is rebuffed as he seeks a major transport package. Fianna Fáil refuses to believe the money has run out as Willie O’Dea seeks a silver dividend of €10 a week for pensioners. Public-sector workers engage in a rolling series of strikes over the failure to honour wage commitments.

Possible outcome: Government declares the Budget will be their confidence vote. Independent Alliance, whose support in the polls has collapsed to the point where it is lower than Labour, pulls out. FF abstains as government is defeated.