The British Prime Minister has come under strong international criticism after his photo appeared in an advertisement promoting tourism in Fiji.

The Daily Mail reports that Brown has been left embarrassed by the ad in which a superimposed hibiscus is placed behind his ear which has been roundly condemned as the British Prime Minister is usually a harsh critic of military regimes.

The Australian Greens Senator Kerry Nettle questioned Browne's endorsement and said he should be pushing for the restoration of democracy, not promoting beach holidays.

The Opposition Foreign Affairs spokesperson in New Zealand Murray McCully said that they would not offer Browne any advise but stressed that both major parties in New Zealand have consistently taken the approach that there should be a strong message sent out to the Fiji regime to restore democracy.

A Downing Street Spokesperson told the Times in London that there has been a misunderstanding over the adverts and the proposed work was not cleared at the proper level.

The advertisement, which will now not be repeated, was done by London Based firm DK Advertising. The Fiji Visitors Bureau is reported as saying that the response has been fantastic and bookings are up.