Bruton's task was by far the most difficult, taking to his feet immediately after the finance minister concluded his budget speech. His best lines hit out at the PDs' role in government.

"The Tanaiste and his Progressive Democrats party have made much play of tax and their belief in tax. Only one government in the past four has reduced the proportion of income spent on tax.

I will give members a clue: it did not contain the Progressive Democrats or Fianna Fail. The one government that reduced the tax burden comprised Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left."

While the remarks drew derision from Michael McDowell . . .

"unemployment was at 10%" . . . Bruton's line of attack was repeated by his colleagues as they faced government members on radio and television programmes. The lesson would seem to be, when you have a good line, say it and say it again. Maybe then it might just lodge with the public.