Elusive Bertie swotting for his Westminster finals

With the Taoiseach keeping such a low profile yesterday, Bertie-watchers were forced to get their fix elsewhere.

Bertie was keeping out of trouble with a spot of canvassing in his constituency. The media were not invited to tag along. "You got enough yesterday," said one of his handlers.

Later, his car was spotted outside his office at St Luke's, where the Taoiseach was said to be swotting in advance of his appearance at Westminster today.

We sought him here, we sought him there and eventually tracked him down to the Today FM studios in the city-centre, where he had a pre-dinner date with broadcaster Matt Cooper.

Flanked by former adviser to President Mary McAleese, Eileen Gleeson, the Taoiseach strolled towards the studios during a brief moment of sunshine. He was asked about his tax liabilities by one reporter but Gleeson reminded the media pack that he was only there to do a radio interview.

"How are you keeping?" inquired Bertie, all the same.

Once inside the studios the Taoiseach had a cup of Barry's Tea prepared by Today FM chief executive Willie O'Reilly.

Then he was back to St Luke's and that Westminster homework, an elusive candidate for one day at least.