In the last two weeks, two politicians separately called our offices because they were unhappy with the photo that we uploaded, showing them in one of the many activities they attend.

The calls came from both sides of the House of Representatives; which means that whether in government or in opposition, MPs want to be seen and check websites to make sure that they are seen in their full glory.

One was a man, the other a woman. We say this to point out that the complaints come from both sexes, just in case there’s someone who thinks that only women are obsessed with the way they look.

We will not be naming them – this is because they were not the first, and we’re sure they will not be the last, to find fault with the way they are caught by the camera. (We think that the camera never lies, but politicians seem to think otherwise). Such calls have been received for decades; the only difference is that now they have become more common.

There were times, when the internet did not exist, that politicians complained to editors about photographs in newspapers which, once printed, cannot be changed. These days, with portals and the social media, they know they have a better chance that they find an editor in a good mood to replace the photograph. Sometimes we accept, sometimes we don’t.

We’re saying this to tell our readers about one of the many issues, some of them trivial, the media has to deal with when it comes to our dear politicians. We also say that for a politician to find the time to call a newsroom (or get a representative to make the call) just because the hair does not appear right in the photograph or because the camera captured a frown goes a long way to prove what we have known all along: that politicians – today more than ever – are more concerned with the way they look than the substance of their contribution.

It is a known fact that politicians rely heavily on the way they are perceived, and so they give great attention to their physical appearance. We’ve had incidents in which MPs were mocked because of their attire; and when some time ago MPs started to venture into the House trying to appear “cool”, the Speaker was quick to lay down the rules that the men must wear at least a jacket and for women to be dressed appropriately.

Of course, it is not what one wears that makes one a gentleman, or a person of integrity and honesty, but we do agree with the Speaker that the attire in Parliament must comply with the importance of this institution.

Still, we must say that although when we receive such calls we always have a good laugh – it brightens our day and relieves some of our stress – we feel we ought to point out to politicians that it would be better if they concentrate more on what they say and, more importantly, what they do, rather than how they look.

If, by chance, you happen to not like the photograph we print or upload, remember that we – and the public – are more interested in your actions than your hairstyle or colour of your tie.