Interest groups from all sectors of Irish life traditionally gather in Buswells Hotel, just yards from Leinster House, to have their say on the Budget. This year was no exception. 

 

Spinners getting started on the reaction press releases #budget16 https://t.co/p3sAyZ16Xi

— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) October 13, 2015

All the talk in the run-up to Budget 2016 was about the giveaway. Farmers and employers haven't been shy about calling for very specific changes to tax and this was their chance to grade Michael Noonan and Brendan Howlin's efforts.

Dozens of journalists mingled with spokespeople, communications gurus and union members to watch the speeches unfold and as soon as each new measure was announced, they would be available for an instant reaction.

First applause from the back and a "G'man Michael!" on changes to commercial road tax. #budget16 pic.twitter.com/f6DDSi2bef

— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) October 13, 2015

The journalists busily hammered away at their laptops to get the latest news lines out to their organisations and on to Twitter, while the spinners threw out press releases and pitched their spokespeople.

I've collected more business cards in the last ten minutes than I have in 25 years. #budget16 #buswells

— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) October 13, 2015

Once the speeches were over, chaos broke out as hacks scarpered to get the spokespeople on tape before the top of the hour. 

And the interest groups got their stories straight and faced the media.

Benny Gilsenan of Retailers Against Smuggling is first up to face the media in Buswells. #budget16 pic.twitter.com/CTJzJGHraE

— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) October 13, 2015

Distillers and drinks industry - like relief for microbrewers; don't like no drop in excise on alcohol. #budget16 pic.twitter.com/LVUjmNauGX

— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) October 13, 2015

By about 5pm, the lobby was nearly completely empty as journalists fled to Government Buildings for the departmental press conferences and the interest groups made their way to radio and TV stations for more live reaction to a Budget they broadly welcomed.