Chancellor Alistair Darling delivered his first budget with the emphasis on steadying the ship as the country enters increasingly stormy economic waters.

It was never going to be an easy ride and there were few real headline grabbers as he gripped the rudder with a long-term view perhaps on next May when there may be a general election.

He spoke of how this was a "responsible budget to secure stability in times of economic uncertainty" - in other words it was deliberately boring.

Much of his speech was taken up by references to what had gone before and the highlights of his predecessor's achievements in 10 years in charge of the economy.

One real eye opener was the swingeing tax on spirits - up 55p a bottle - which reversed Mr Brown's policy of keeping his favourite whisky tipple out of the firing line.

Beer drinkers were also hit by a 4p a pint levy and the nation's growing love of wine has led to Mr Darling cashing in with a rise of 14p a bottle.

Chris Mundy, head of tax at Oxford accountants Grant Thornton, said: "The Chancellor has committed to raising spirit duties above the rate of inflation for a few years which shows the Government is clearly concerned about the low price and availability of alcohol."

Long-suffering smokers will also have choked on the 11p rise for a packet of 20.

It seems these groups are, predictably, the ones to pay for other "giveaways" such as boosting the winter fuel allowance for pensioners by £50 for the over 60s and £100 for the over 80s.

Parents were also given a boost with child benefit to hit £20 a week and child tax credit raised by £50 a year.

Perhaps this will be paid for by a hiked tax on new gas guzzling cars during their first year.

Green issues were very much on Mr Darling's mind and he has threatened to introduce legislation on the use of supermarket carrier bags unless the industry cleans up its act.

But he was more woolly on a very real issue such as taxing airlines due to the explosion of cheap flights and the introduction of road tolls, which he knows would be unpopular. Mr Darling was not going to be caught out there.

And there was little joy for homeowners with just a pledge to examine long-term mortgages while first-time buyers won't have to pay stamp duty provided they buy their home with someone else.

Ultimately this was a dull budget which reflected how tight the reality of the economic situation is thanks to the credit crunch and soaring fuel and energy prices.

He had little money to play with and as he gave with one hand, he took away with the other. Not for him the showstopping cut in income tax which sensationalised Mr Brown's last Budget.

Chris Lee, business tax partner at Oxford-based accountants James Cowper said: "Unlike his predecessor, Alistair Darling had no great announcements or innovative solutions.

"His options have been limited."