Has our Taoiseach become institutionalised? The Margin certainly noticed with alarm Mr Ahern's reaction to various external stimuli at the big Intel opening in Leixlip this week.

After trading quips with Dr Craig Barrett, the head of the multinational firm, about how both of their jobs relied on dealing with the unexpected on a daily basis, Mr Ahern and the rest of the VIPs trundled off to inspect the new factory.

But blocking the narrow corridor in front of them were two figures in fluorescent colours, apparently aliens. Our Taoiseach never batted an eyelid and just walked right past them. Further along there were at least 30 men and women in white suits.

Another politician might have suspected at this point that he had finally been found out. Not Bertie. He just peered through the glass of Intel's cleanroom, had a spot of lunch, then carried on doing TV interviews for Sky News.