Ireland Delivers a Giveaway Budget Ahead of Election (1)

Ireland’s government delivered a giveaway budget to voters, taking advantage of a financial situation that’s been boosted by soaring income from multinational firms and a back-tax windfall from Apple Inc.

The €10.5 billion ($11.7 billion) package announced Tuesday included income tax cuts, increases in welfare and pension payments, help with energy bills and rent, and extra payouts to families with children.

Prime Minister Simon Harris will be counting on the bonanza to keep voters on side before the next election, which must be held by March 2025, but could happen as soon as next month. Harris, who became leader just ...