Every Budget has to have a lighter element. This year it is a budget for the punter . . . Keeping the bets in Ireland is another way of keeping the racecourses open. I look forward to my next flutter at even keener odds.

- The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern

This Budget is like a huge blood transfusion to a body with blocked arteries. The blockages in the arteries of the Irish economy are most visible every day in traffic jams.

- The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton I don't think anyone will be impressed by the Minister's folksy parable, with which he ended his speech yesterday, about putting money away for the rainy day. Every family knows that if the roof is leaking, if a child needs new shoes, if the baby needs medical treatment, they will spend the money . . .

- The Democratic Left leader, Mr Proinsias De Rossa