The budget is more than just sums and number-crunching, according to Mr Joe Grehan (86), a retired salesman from Terenure, Dublin.
The Government should see it as an opportunity to improve life, both at home and abroad, and he's furious at what he sees as broken promises from the current administration.
"I collect my pension every week, and I'm sure there are many who will call for it to be increased. Well I think it's fine as it is.
"I read in your paper today about this big windfall coming our way and what I want to know is if there are so many funds there, why can the Government not stick to the promised 7 per cent of GNP for overseas aid by 2007?
"Granted, I have my company pension but I got where I did by keeping my promises. Clearly, the Government are unable to do that."
Although Joe remains passionate about overseas aid, he has been involved with St Vincent de Paul for 60 years and recognises society's need for welfare increases and feels the most pressing problem is education for the poor.
"When I see money being thrown around on projects like Punchestown it sickens me. The poverty trap can be broken through education and that is where we should be focusing." See if Joe gets what he wants in Budget 2005 next week.
