Most ministers for finance like to see themselves as willing to make the unpopular choices to safeguard the public purse, as noble defenders of the exchequer against well meaning but unrealistic demands.
At this early stage in the year, Paschal Donohoe is certainly talking a tough game. There have been repeated warnings that he will not countenance a giveaway package in October, and public statements to that effect have been buttressed by private words from the Department of Finance that he is willing to take on all comers to achieve that goal.
An early test of this position comes later this week when public sector unions sit down with the Government for talks on the vexed issue of lower pay levels for State workers hired since the crash. As Cliff Taylor notes today, this issue is now all about politics.
Those around Government have reacted sharply to suggestions that Donohoe should give unions everything they demand and say, on this issue, as with the Budget, he is willing to risk unpopularity to tell a few home truths.
After all, the reason given by those in Enda Kenny's inner circle for Donohoe's appointment as minister for public expenditure in 2016 was the toughness he displayed as minister for transport, particularly when handling the sale of the State's share in Aer Lingus.
His consolidation a year later of the departments of finance and public expenditure under his stewardship displayed a deftness of political touch as Kenny's political twilight began and Leo Varadkar began his ascent.
Even those in Fianna Fail grudgingly acknowledge Donohoe’s political skills. One senior party figure recently remarked that Donohoe’s greatest skill of all is the ease with which he masks his nous. A broadcast interview last week in which Donohoe managed to slip in the theme of “stability” with the ease of a warm breeze blowing through a window was met with wry admiration from the main Opposition party.
Whereas Leo Varadkar wants people to know he is the smartest person the room, this Fianna Fáiler remarked, Donohoe actually is, but is comfortable to take a back seat. His never failing, friendly “Hello, everybody!” manner, even when mimicked, speaks to an ease among people his boss can lack.
Business and interest groups that come into contact with him leave impressed with his knowledge and command of his brief. These are the traits that other politicians note and envy.
Thus far, Donohoe's rise has seemed effortless but his achievements have been hard won, from holding his Dublin Central seat to rising through the Cabinet. The coming months will see if Donohoe lives up the billing he is setting for himself.
And then there were four?
Following the Independent Alliance row over who should hold the job of Minister of State at the Office of Public Works (OPW) - which Kevin "Boxer" Moran easily won over Sean Canney - there have been doubts over Canney's' commitment to the group.
Canney has gone to ground since Boxer's victory at a private meeting of the Alliance last Thursday and, as Harry McGee reports today, is said to be "considering his position".The Galway East will be closely watched when he arrives in Leinster House today, but some around the Alliance believe his options are limited. If he leaves the five member group, it will because of a row over a ministerial job - which would hardly endear him to the public.
And even if he does leave, he is an assistant government whip, a position that comes with an extra €15,000 on top of a normal TD’s salary. Given the precarious nature of the Government numbers in the Dáil, it is difficult to see Canney jeopardising its ability to pass legislation for what is clearly an issue of personal ambition.
