This study examines intra-cabinet dynamics during budget debates in Ireland.
Data & Methods
Researchers analyzed individual minister contributions and estimated their positions on a latent dimension representing support or opposition to cabinet leadership using text analysis.
Key Findings
Close alignment with the finance minister correlated with larger budget shares, but proximity to the prime minister became more predictive under worsening economic conditions.
Implications
These findings question how effectively governments delegate fiscal authority during severe crises. The results suggest that effective control relies on specific institutional contexts and economic circumstances.
