There's nothing like a baby

By Nick Assinder
BBC News Online political correspondent

There's nothing like the patter of tiny feet to melt the heart of even the craggiest MP in the Commons - so long as it's not from the mice that infest the place.

So the news that Charles and Sarah Kennedy are expecting will be greeted with nothing but delight.

Apart from the simple joy the couple will be sharing, it must also be pointed out - in a purely caring way - that this will have the coincidental affect of doing Mr Kennedy's political standing no harm whatsoever.

He now has the complete Acme Political Leaders Kit and can truly claim he is fit for power.

Because, as every politician knows, if you harbour even the slightest ambition to become prime minister there are certain things you simply must have.

Policies are good, charisma is essential and watertight excuses for why you have abandoned your former hardline principles can come in handy - not suggesting Mr Kennedy needs the last.

Beaming dad

But all this pales into insignificance when compared to a wife and children.

Despite the fact that the nuclear family unit comprising mum, dad and 2.4 children has pretty much become an historical curiosity, voters still seem to expect a traditional family life from their politicians.

So everyone smiled when the prime minister suddenly found Cherie expecting in 1999 - and the subsequent birth of little Leo did nothing to harm his image either.

There was universal delight at the birth of Gordon and Sarah Brown's son John a year ago - especially coming as it did after the tragic death of their first child Jennifer Jane.

Overnight, the dour Scot became the beaming dad who was human after all.

Cloud nine

For Mr Kennedy, his news caps what has already been a hugely successful 12 months or so for his party and his leadership.

He must be on cloud nine - and not because that's where his political opponents believe his party is based.

Needless to say, thanks to the nature of politicians, bets are already being laid on the name the couple will chose for their firstborn.

Both the Blairs and the Browns took the traditional route of naming their children after their grandfathers.

On that basis, little Kennedy will be either Ian or Mary.

In the mean time, however, everyone in this place will simply wish the couple well.