Is the Pendulum Swinging Back?

Nicolas Sarkozy has secured an emphatic victory over his Socialist rival, Ségolène Royal.

"The French people have decided to break with the ideas, behaviour and habits of the past," he said. "....so I will rehabilitate work, merit and morals. I want to give back to France what France has given to me."

Sarkozy has praised the US by extolling America's low-tax, hard-work economy. Further he said "I want to tell them that France will always be by their side when they will need her."

Mr Sarkozy also promised to fight for tolerance and democratic rights, even if it meant antagonising Muslim sensibilities.

Vive la France!