Irish Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin asked constituents to consider the events leading up to and following the rise and leadership of the Greek Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA). Laying bare his government’s strategy to win a second term in office, he outlined a 2016 budget promising fiscal restraint and stability.

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny is the man who led his country out of the worst recession on record, managing to bring the country back to the track of recovery after a huge bailout. Voters, however, have been left unimpressed so they are being reminded of the results of the rise of left-wing parties such as SYRIZA in Greece and Sinn Fein closer to home. In an effort to impress voters, the government distributed some of the proceeds from the country’s outstanding economic recovery to those who need it most – taxpayers, pensioners and Irish beer-makers.

“Who speaks of SYRIZA now?” is the Irish question.