For the political journalism heavyweights - well used to being fearless and facing formidable foes - could become part of a dramatic plan to make the Beeb's political coverage as popular as the sci-fi telly series!

The BBC's director general, Mark Thompson (left) revealed that he wants a major shake-up in its political coverage - similar to what has made its prime time drama programmes the envy of its rivals.

Mr Thompson said that he was determined to repair relationships between the Beeb and the public and politicians following the fall-out over faked competitions on a number of its TV and radio shows.

In an interview with The Guardian, he outlined a series of plans to tackle problems, including a commitment to stop "investing in doom" and to bring some "proportionality" to its coverage of crimes such as child abduction.

But it is Mr Thompson's suggestion that a "burst of creative energy" must be found and harnessed to strengthen its Northern Ireland and UK political coverage which has raised eyebrows.

His plan for BBC political coverage in Ulster and beyond would, according to The Guardian interview, "reinvent its coverage in the same way as drama had been overhauled with Doctor Who and Life On Mars".

With local politicians often accused of living in the past, BBC Northern Ireland political staff like Mark Devenport, Martina Purdy, Jim Fitzpatrick and Gareth Gordon may already feel like Doctor Who time travellers!

Mr Thompson revealed that the BBC will boost its coverage of Westminster, regional and local government - including the Northern Ireland Assembly - to help create "the most engaging, the most creative multi-media portal for democracy in the world".

Added Mr Thompson: "I will be judged as a leader of the BBC on the basis of the success of the services and the extent to which, at the end of my time, you have got a BBC that feels strong and ready for the future."