  Let N be a normal subgroup of a finite group G. We prove that under certain
(unavoidable) conditions the subgroup [N,G] is a product of commutators [N,y]
(with prescribed values of y from a given set Y) of length bounded by a
function of d(G) and |Y| only. This has several applications: 1. A new proof
that G^n is closed (and hence open) in any finitely generated profinite group
G. 2. A finitely generated abstract quotient of a compact Hausdorff group must
be finite. 3. Let G be a topologically finitely generated compact Hausdorff
group. Then G has a countably infinite abstract quotient if and only if G has
an infinite virtually abelian continuous quotient.
