My expectations of Buswells on Budget Day were scaled by previous years’ frenetic coverage.  From my research I, not altogether unreasonably, expected a Dublin 2 Speaker’s Corner of cacophonous voices, merriment in lobbyists jostling for media attention, and at least a few microphone mishaps. In my more fevered imaginings, I envisioned an actual soapbox set-up for crying budgetary foul or praising the raises.  But as I approached Merrion Street, 30 minutes before Minister for Finance Micael McGrath stood up, flanked by a truly exhausted-looking Paschal Donohoe, it was evident this year’s Buswell’s pow-wow would stand apart.  At least 100 Gardai,…

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