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Madam, – I am dismayed at Bertie Ahern’s recent bit-part in an advertising campaign for a well-known Irish tabloid newspaper. Are there no depths to the levels this man will go to in order to earn an extra few bob? As an ex-Taoiseach he is demeaning the office. He is also a current member of our Dáil. His actions also allow more opportunity for foreign media to ridicule our country. If he wants to continue to engage publicly in enterprises to top up his generous public service pension and his Dáil salary and all its associated expense allowances, could he at least do so in a dignified manner? He has a duty to do so.