WHILE THE COUNTRY awaits news of what’s contained in Budget 2015, Minister of Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, has faced a morning of tough decisions.

Friendly pink gingham? Dangerous spotted red? Yellow tv static? Sincere baby blue?

Yes, he faced the Big Tie Question, and it was all documented on his official Twitter account (lest you think we snuck into chez Howlin for a sneaky look).

For a moment, it seemed as though he was even contemplating literally pulling on the green jersey:

But then James Connolly stepped in with his opinion:

There are some out there who suggest that the Ministers’ Budget ties are an important portent for the year to come… so if Howlin does plump for the jazzy pink and purple number, perhaps that’s a sign that there are brighter days on their way.

One can hope.

Update 2pm

WAIT a minute. Are Minister Howlin AND Minister Michael Noonan both wearing pink-and-purple ties?

Dept. PER IRL / Twitter Dept. PER IRL / Twitter / Twitter

The plot thickens.

According to the very scientific* website Empower Yourself With Colour Psychology:

Having either purple or violet as your favorite color means you are sensitive and compassionate, understanding and supportive, thinking of others before yourself – you are the person others come to for help – being needed motivates you but sometimes people take advantage of you.

*Erm, probably not

All pics: @IRLDeptPER

Read: The Budget: Here’s what we know so far*>