I WISH politicians would stick to their jobs – perhaps then they would prove more effective in their roles. Last week London s mayor, the bumbling buffoon that is Boris Johnson, had a cameo role in BBC1 s EastEnders, ordering a drink in the Queen Vic. App

I WISH politicians would stick to their jobs - perhaps then they would prove more effective in their roles.

Last week London's mayor, the bumbling buffoon that is Boris Johnson, had a cameo role in BBC1's EastEnders, ordering a drink in the Queen Vic. Apparently, former London mayor Ken Livingstone was refused permission to appear on the soap to promote a recycling campaign when he was still mayor.

Executive producer of EastEnders, Diederick Santer, said Boris Johnson's appearance was not political and purely for entertainment. Why, then, was he making this public appearance in the first place, when it had nothing whatsoever to do with politics? Does he not have better things to do? He was elected on a clear manifesto to clear up crime. As far as I know crime has not been eradicated in the capital, so he still has work to do. And what about a plan to help London tackle the challenge of climate change? The mayor's To Do list is endless and yet he appears to have time to waste.

It's an even bigger concern when the Prime Minister of our country squanders valuable time, wading into celebrity disputes and TV debates which should be of no concern to him.

In November last year, during the worst economic crisis to hit the country for a generation, Gordon Brown took time out to write good luck notes to ITV's X Factor contestants and to offer them his views on their performances.

That same month he spoke out against Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross for their "inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour" regarding a series of prank calls made to Fawlty Towers' actor Andrew Sachs, and broadcast on Brand's BBC radio show. He said the BBC must take "appropriate action".

Last week the PM appeared in the national press over the debate concerning ITV's X Factor and BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing being shown at the same time on a Saturday night. He has sworn allegiance to X Factor, and claims Peter Mandelson keeps him up to speed with Strictly!

Politicians have highly important roles and responsibilities, and to get so publicly embroiled in issues which should not even feature on their radar is concerning.

I'm not sure if this misplaced interest in the celebrity world is a half-baked idea at politicians trying to gain popularity but, if it is, it is a bad idea which will fail miserably.

People are far more inclined to support a politician who sticks to their job and concentrates on achieving the goals they have set out.

Any employee, anywhere, who takes their eye off the ball, will not retain their job for very long if they don't buck their ideas up.

With the next general election around the corner, it's time Mr Brown took another look at his job description.