The Taoiseach Mr Ahern is fast becoming the equivalent of the cover of Hello! magazine when it comes to the fate of tech firms.

A few years ago a British tabloid noticed that every blissful couple featured on the cover of Hello! subsequently broke up in less than blissful disharmony.

But back to the Taoiseach. Among the companies he has presided over the opening of are Worldport, 360 Networks, Metromedia and Formus - all companies that have gone belly up.

So the next time you want an official opening performed, think carefully. Anyway, with an election on the horizon, there should be a queue of willing deputies at your door.