Dáil Sketch/Miriam Lord: "There is no point in looking at me with those Bryan Dobson eyes," quivered Pat Rabbitte, as a forlorn looking Bertie bowed his head to take further advice from the learned Junior to his left.
With each question, Bertie leaned in closer to Michael McDowell, who had spent the afternoon eagerly licking his master's lobes with whispered words of advice.
Since they emerged, ethically cleansed, from the fires of "Bertiegate", the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have bonded beautifully. Now, during Leaders' Questions, Bertie is no longer alone, for Michael is by his side, whispering.
If this were the Four Courts, and not the Dáil chamber, Taoiseach Ahern would be obliged to begin each reply with the words: "Ceann Comhairle, my instructions are . . ."
If this were the Four Courts, and not the Dáil chamber, Bertie might find himself entering "dig-out" territory again upon receipt of McDowell's final bill.
As it is, the Taoiseach is enjoying the benefit of his Tánaiste's learning and intellect for free.
Three different subjects were aired in the chamber yesterday. Enda Kenny lambasted Transport Minister Martin Cullen for his "incapacity or inability to give an overall figure" for the cost of Dublin's proposed metro.
Pat Rabbitte was concerned with the cost to the taxpayer arising from the indemnity deal agreed between the Government and the Catholic Church four years ago. Joe Higgins cut loose over fees demanded from strapped first-time buyers by property management companies.
Each time, the Taoiseach waited to answer with an eye on his briefing notes, and his ear cocked in the Tánaiste's direction.
Michael whispered, whispered urgently, and whispered long.
At one point, Deputy Higgins urged the Government to come up with a legal structure to help those householders who are forced to pay unjustified management fees.
Taoiseach Bertie swivelled in his seat towards Tánaiste McDowell and turned his notes around so he could see them. Further whispered consultations.
"I don't think there is an easy legal remedy," sighed Bertie, his learned friend nodding sagely beside him.
As this new political double act celebrated its brilliance, Mr Cullen was bypassed.
Tormented by the Fine Gael leader over disclosing the figures for the metro, Martin threw back his head, and laughed. He tried to get some information through to his boss. But it was to side-kick Michael, his faithful shitz-tsu, that Bertie turned.
Not that he didn't support Martin in the face of Deputy Kenny's disdain. "I totally reject what the deputy says about the performance of the Minister," said Bertie, adding that he was responsible for one of the "best rollouts of infrastructure".
"You weren't on the train this morning!" bellowed Fine Gael's Tom Hayes, who comes from Tipperary. "I was delayed for a full hour."
Emboldened by the support from the Silk sitting beside him, the Taoiseach insisted there would be no figure issued for the metro project until the market was examined. Only a "dumbwit" would do otherwise.
Meanwhile, Joe Higgins reminded Bertie how he had raised with him, some time ago, the plight of householders in the large Tyrellstown estate in West Dublin, who are facing the "bare-faced ripoff" of management fees.
"You haven't lifted a finger to stop this practice." Deputy Higgins thought it interesting that the Taoiseach managed to visit the area last Wednesday - not in solidarity with the residents, but to open a €40 million hotel.
Following advice from the Progressive Democrats leader, Bertie put on his Bryan Dobson eyes and said he would do what he could.