“Boring Phil Hammond” yesterday effectively announced his intention to dispense with George Osborne’s (slightly mad) targeting of a surplus in government funding.
This is, potentially, a very big deal, which the First and deputy First Minister (not to mention the new Finance, and back seat, Business Minister) should be on to pretty sharpish…
Two areas should be in the front of the queue: infrastructure and Health (there are real promises to make up the artificial shortfalls in training medical staff.
That will ease any pressure on the Billion spending pledge for health. But what plans do both ministers have for bidding for the extra cash?
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty