Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

That is interesting. In a written reply on this matter earlier this week the Taoiseach stated he would not have executive functions and I believe I detected a Sir Humphrey moment in the composition of that reply. However, if the Taoiseach does not mind my saying so, this reply seems somewhat different. He spoke of keeping an eye on things. In essence we will have two Ministers for Finance, one responsible for public expenditure, the other for taxation and budgetary matters. Now the Taoiseach appears to indicate he, too, will have a role in budgetary strategy. Ultimately, there must be some sense of coherence.

What appears to be happening is that the Taoiseach is scrambling around trying to build up an edifice for the Tánaiste. It reminds me of the team Dick Spring had when he was Tánaiste within the Taoiseach's Office.

See this speech in context