Treasury Minister Allan Bell will deliver his eighth budget to Tynwald today and undoubtedly it will be his toughest to date.

In the face of falling revenue he has the job of satisfying public demand for services, but at the same time balancing the government's books.

Our business editor John Moss looks ahead to what promises to be a lively debate (text, below, from attached audio file):

So what are Mr Bell's options?

It all surrounds how much cash exactly he has to slice up.

A year ago it was widely suggested that the overall pot might fall by between ?30 and ?40 million.

In the face of present and future assaults on the offshores, the Manx government will still want to pin its colours to the mast of fiscal stability. In the face of dismay all round, it will want to prove that, with prudent management, it can keep the boat steady.

That would be an interesting trick to pull off in the current climate.

There are indications that the purse strings have been pulled tighter. Various announcements from Tourism about their individual budget suggests they are not alone and that other departments have also had to pare down their requirments.

Mr Bell gets to his feet at about 10.30 this morning and the chances are the debate that follows will be a lengthy one.