Wedding wish 'a political diversion'

The coalition has questioned the timing of revelations that Julia Gillard's long-term boyfriend wants to tie the knot, with Barnaby Joyce suggesting it was a diversion from the Government's woes over its Budget and the looming carbon tax fight.

The "first bloke" Tim Mathieson was plastered across the pages of News Limited newspapers yesterday, declaring he wanted to ask Ms Gillard to marry him.

Ms Gillard was quick to rule out the prospect of wedding bells at The Lodge, telling the ABC there was "no rock on the finger".

"I think everybody can just say, well, we're a happy couple and that's a good thing," she said.

Senator Joyce said he wished Ms Gillard and Mr Mathieson good luck and happiness but questioned why such a personal and private decision had been splashed across newspapers while the Government was struggling.

"Call me a cynic but there is a little bit of a smell that this was orchestrated," the Nationals Senate leader said.

With tongue firmly in cheek, former Federal treasurer Peter Costello said the relationship was a "story of true love and I want to support it".

"I would only say to you Tim, I think your chances getting a yes would be better if you asked her personally rather than did it in a newspaper," he said.

The Government has denied the story was planted to divert attention. One source said the reporter had interviewed Mr Mathieson in the week before the Budget and there had been no conditions placed on when it ran.