I'm planning on going out for a pre-budget lunch - last one I can afford for a while if all the speculation is to be believed.
Bells are ringing in the house calling TDs in, preparing for a mad bad afternoon
Leaders Questions - Enda Kenny asking questions - well making a long point with some inflection at the end of it probably.
All those logging onto Dáil TV meant that I nearly couldn't record Leaders' Questions, server busy first time thats happened in the year I've been doing this
can i just blog the reactions since I aint going to be able to watch!
No idea what Cowen was shouting about - noticed his new hairdo though.
@suzybyrne I'd say there's a lot of coiffed heads in the House today :)
One Budget proceedings start Lenihan is expected to speak for 45 mins to 50 mins, opposition speeches expected to be 40 mins each
Hello to commentators and readers! You are all very welcome to the party. Is there a Budget drinking game this afternoon. ie. Take one drink for first sight of Joan Burton in a pink suit!? etc.
Over on twitter the question being asked is what colour tie is Lenihan going to wear!
LOL @johnwilliams was just about to say that
My bets on blue
The colour of a hairshirt? Or crimson red to go with his face when the cuts start coming?
People attempting to make some fun of what is sure to be a tough 45-50 mins for us all
Heard from a few that Brian is going to veer into the longwinded
Gilmore says Cowen owes Irish people an apology
@Cian, journos saying they were told 45 to 50 mins.
@RM fingers crossed we got lots of timing depending on it.
Has everyone bought in all theret smokes for the big hike thats expected?
I got a duty free carton last night :) Met a colleague earlier who was going out to buy a rake of packets in anticipation of hike.
I bought 40 today and I'm going to Spain on Saturday :)
is biffo gonna pay more like the rest of us??? sorry listening to rte here
@cian I can imagine, been hard here to commit to anything as there are no clear timings and lots of business in the house this evening meaning everyone is in the house
@RM yeah its not the usual day at all. We are doing well for a hitrate at the minute tho.
More difficult next year guys then this year, make the most of today while you can!
fiery stuff from Cowen
RTE twittering their budget stuff twitter.com/rtebudget2009
Pat Carey looks very worried behind Cowen
Biffo was angry a bit there wasnt he
Biffo sounds like a vice principal giving orders on the first day of term
Seoige and the Afternoon Show are off today! We are saved!
shall not exceed 40 minutes
@suzybyrne lmao
They are working late tonight - well they only started at 14.30.
we have agreement
oh no Enda is up and not happy in his red tie
enda not happy about no business tomorrow
Enda wonders why he can't be asking his overly long questions tomorrow...