The Scottish Parliament was built on principles of openness and transparency.
Yesterday, however, was all smoke and mirrors.
Derek Mackay – delivering his first budget since taking over from John Swinney – was more monotone than usual.
Not quite sombre, but definitely sober.
Sticking to the script, his speech was a staccato strip of figures and numbers. He gave with one hand, only to take away with the other.
In comparison to previous budgets, there were fewer fireworks and less agitation.
The Tories – and other parties – are jubilant that the SNP’s controversial council tax plans have been scrapped.
With an eye on the council elections in May, Mackay performed a deft U-turn.
In the north-east alone, the nationalists have suffered a number of heavy defeats in by-elections – and his move was clearly designed to placate voters.
Elsewhere, however, things remain less clear. Council budgets have been cut, but then they are getting money via other means.
Or so Derek says.
Spending is up – but is it in real terms? The picture from parliament is as confused as ever.
As the political parties wander away, the key question now is, who will support Derek? It is, after all, a draft budget.
Without a majority, it is clear the finance secretary has work to do if he is to secure the necessary votes.
The Greens and the Liberal Democrats seem the most likely port of call, but nothing is certain.
But before there’s any deal making, MSPs will need to know for certain what’s on offer.
Yesterday, that was not entirely clear.