RUAIRI Quinn's decision to end the annual parade of lobby groups entering his office with pre-Budget submissions tucked under their arms is to be applauded.

The whole affair has turned into an annual farce, with the groups all trooping in to meet the Minister and tell him exactly what they had told him the previous year. Some only show up to drop in the paper and get the photo with the Minister so they can persuade their members that they were actively lobbying on their behalf. And, of course, Ruairi has to be polite, and has to been seen to be fair.

Now all the lobby groups, however, are to be diverted to the Oireachtas Committee on Finance and General Affairs, currently chaired by Jim Mitchell. Those representing the social partners will still have an entree to the Minister.

The Margin is already shuddering at the prospect of loads of photographs of Jim Mitchell smiling as he accepts next year's submission from the National Association of Pigeon Fanciers and the like.