'Cheeky' taunts for MP Lembit

There were cries of "Who's a cheeky boy?" as the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats rose to speak at Northern Ireland question time in the House of Commons yesterday.

Mr Opik retorted: "I think honourable members should leave any cheeky business completely to me."

Later Mr Opik faced more laughter when he rose to ask a question about motor neurone disease during Prime Minister's question time.Before asking the question he said - to a backing of some MPs attempting to sing 'Have a Cheeky Christmas' - "Not wishing to be cheeky, Mr Speaker, I thank the House for being so happy that I am so very, very lucky. And I should point out that the other sister is still single."

Mr Opik, who speaks for his party on Northern Ireland and Wales, confirmed before Christmas that he was dating Gabriela, 24, who with her twin sister Monica makes up the Romanian-born singing act the Cheeky Girls.

The relationship began after his engagement to TV weather presenter Sian Lloyd ended.

It emerged he had spoken to a Home Office minister about the girls who were having difficulties with their immigration status.

But his party said that Mr Opik had acted properly in the matter, referring it to the girls' local MP.