Britain's first-time voters know more about computer game characters such as Lara Croft and Sonic the Hedgehog than they do about politicians, according to a survey conducted by High Street electrical retailer Dixons.

Well you don't say. Isn't this just the most insightful and compelling election-based research you've ever heard?

Of course, Dixons is unable to say have many computer game characters senior politicians were able to name.

A spokesman for the store said: "We'd love to be able to [do the research] but it is getting them to respond that's a problem."

Isn't it always?

And he denied that this research was just utter guff and a cheap stab at making some headlines.

Instead, he said it emphasised the challenges faced by politicians if they want to appeal to be more inclusive.

Is that so? ®