06: 1984 : "A Dreary Non-Event"

RTÉ Television captured the events of the day and the reaction to the measures.

Described as a "broadly neutral" and "dreary non-event" by opposition leaders, the 1984 budget introduced VAT hikes on the old reliables like cigarettes and alcohol.

The accompanying image was taken as a publicity shot for RTÉ Budget coverage, 1984. The photograph was taken by John Cooney.