MP defends Sarkozy marriage

Flamboyant MP Lembit Opik today defended a politician's right to date or marry a famous and attractive woman.

The 42-year-old Liberal Democrat, who is dating 25-year-old Gabriela Irimia, one half of pop duo the Cheeky Girls, said it did not stop a politician from doing his job properly.

The Montgomeryshire MP was speaking in a debate on the hype in France surrounding French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his new bride, 40-year-old supermodel-turned-singer Carla Bruni.

Mr Opik compared the media interest in his relationship with his popstar girlfriend with that of the frenzy surrounding Mr Sarkozy and his whirlwind romance with France's new First Lady.

And he rejected claims that being with someone glamorous was undignified and damaging to politics.

Mr Opik said: "I haven't seen a single report in my whole life which indicates that if a politician has a famous and an attractive girlfriend or wife - that deteriorates that politician's ability to do their job."

There have been allegations Mr Sarkozy has been deliberately seeking publicity about his relationship.

The couple have been photographed almost every day since news of their romance emerged, with Mr Sarkozy, 53, facing criticism for for going on official trips with a lover, instead of a wife. The couple married in Paris on Saturday.