This morning, the Dublin government will publish its budget estimates for 2003 and give the clearest indication yet of the true state of 26-County finances. Uncovering the real funding shortfalls we now face is a journey taken with a lot of unease. Any government that can have a €2.26 billion surplus one year and let it deteriorate to a possible €2 billion deficit next year has taken a reckless attitude towards our finances. Free article

Gardaí are reeling in the face of a succession of bizarre accusations were made this week as the biggest probe into corrupt garda activities in the history of the 26 Counties got underway. Free article