It is actually Lembit's fault that his private life gets more coverage than his spokesman role

Yes, Stephen Tall is right that it is utterly scandalous that Lembit Opik's revelation about the government keeping nearly £200m of council tenants' rent this year has received hardly any media coverage, while his break-up with the Cheeky Girl has received blanket coverage.

But let's not blame the media.

Who was it that splashed his private life all over Hello! ?

Who was it who brazenly made tacky jokes about it in the Commons and paraded arm-in-arm down the high street, with the press in tow?

Yes, Lembit himself.

Let's face it. Quietly going about his business is not in Lembit's nature. And thank goodness that - and for the colour he brings to British politics. But let's not kid ourselves that the above is the media's fault. That would be silly.