Opinion polls show that public support for ID cards has fallen sharply over the past four years, but even a chorus of opposition has not muted the government's centralising instincts.

ECONOMIST: The database state

Director Michael Mann creates a rising line of tension and paranoia which leads, paradoxically, to a muted, not entirely reassuring ending.

NEWYORKER: The Insider

This time, the response may not be quite so muted.

ECONOMIST: Ireland's budget