A Twitter account purporting to be that of former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has been answering people's questions on the social media site.

The account includes a link to the Fianna Fáil website, and an e-mail address to get in contact.

It all looks good on paper - only it is not really him.

A source at the Dublin Central branch of the Fianna Fáil party says the account is not that of Mr Ahern, who does not have an official Twitter account.

Using the hashtag #AskBertie, the account has taken questions on issues such as running for the presidency, planning matters and even horse racing tips.

Hi,
What I will say is as of right now I am not.

BA https://t.co/QLC8SizVtu

— Bertie Ahern (@_BertieAhern) December 10, 2016

Hi,
Channel 4 can help you with that. Thanks

BA https://t.co/rcNLKxuppQ

— Bertie Ahern (@_BertieAhern) December 10, 2016

It also says it will "be shedding light on what is being reported in the coming days."

Good evening all,
We will be shedding light on what is being reported in the coming days.

BA

— Bertie Ahern (@_BertieAhern) December 9, 2016

The account, which first tweeted on December 9th, comes following reports that Mr Ahern was going to be asked by his local branch to rejoin the party.