Are the Miliband brothers the new Jedward?

Breaking news! Ed Miliband is the first major party leader to live with his family out of wedlock, signifying a change in attitudes of UK voters.

This is the latest revelation in a long stream of banal journalistic reports, which have seen a significant rise in the number of Brits putting pen to paper to seal their future with a cross.

The voter turnout in 1997, which saw Major bow out as the Tory reign came to an end, was 71.4 per cent. Four years later and this figure had plummeted to a shocking 59.4 per cent. However, with 65.1 per cent of voters making the trip to the polling station last May, things are looking up.

Is this the result of the media’s “change in attitudes” as to how it portrays the importance of politics to a nation of dumbed-down soap watchers?

Spinning May’s General Election into a whirlwind celebrity showdown encapsulated the attention of a voyeuristic nation, which seemed more interested in who’s shagging who rather than who could deliver what.

Clegg, Brown and Cameron’s private lives were showcased for the media in what fast became the political equivalent of X-Factor. Sam Cam’s convenient pregnancy, following the death of Ivan, was certainly a clever move by David’s spin-doctors and a sob story so sad that would have tugged on the heartstrings of Ian Brady.

And this week’s exhaustive reporting of the trials and tribulations of the Miliband brothers should earn them the nickname “Deadwood.”

Sarkozy faces the aftermath of riots as the French workforce take to the streets en-masse to protest over their disapproval of pretty much everything.

At the other end of the spectrum, Cameron could commit murder on live television and we’d probably complain a bit, forgive him because he’s got nice hair, put the kettle on and flick over to watch Corrie.

Are people voting because the party leader has the cutest kid, the fittest wife, or was sporting the best tie during a recent appearance on Newsnight?

Straight, gay or a casual lay, as long as they act with the professionalism, integrity and intelligence required to deliver for the British public, does it really matter?