In the January 8, 2013 issue of The Tribune Business, Mr. Franklyn Wilson is quoted as saying; “I wish every politician in the country asks the question: ‘Where could we find $100 million of savings, shrink government expenditure by that much, rather than this nebulous stuff about cutting waste and inefficiency,”.

Back on December 30, 2012, The Nassau Institute recently suggested something similar, but added a few more points worth considering. They indicated, it is incumbent on the political class to: "Lay the fiscal cards on the table. Assure employers there will be no further tax increases and labour regulations for the foreseeable future. Remove price controls and the bureaucracy that goes with it.Release a plan on reducing government expenditure. Not simply reducing planned increases in spending. Actually reduce spending from last years budget. Assure the financial sector that they will hedge against further intrusion by international governments. Streamline the process for entrepreneurs to get into business."

Mr. Wilson also notes, with astuteness that the government “…cannot grow our way to a balanced Budget. That’s not credible.”

It's regrettable that it's taken so long for the PLP opinion makers to say these things but I'm sure glad it's now starting. Maybe, just maybe, a more sensible fiscal approach will commence.

We'll certainly see when the government presents their interim budget to Parliament in February.

Let's all hope common sense prevails for the sake of all Bahamians and taxpayers.