Too early for Sarlozy bashing

Nicolas Sarkozy was elected for five years, so it seems premature to write about broken promises just ten months afterwards (March editorial).

After quarter of a century of stagnation, policies designed to give France a swift jerk into the 21st Century were unlikely to provide instant gratification. Also, the extent of the economic damage caused by the US sub-prime mess did not become apparent until at least three months after the election.

Following that were the slide in the dollar and pound, the hike in oil prices and the increases in some basic food commodities.

I recall Harold Macmillan’s reply when asked what could upset the best-laid political plans: “Events, dear boy, events.”

I do not remember anything in the Bayrou or Royal campaigns which indicated that they had taken these factors into account any more than their opponent, so why join in the Sarko-bashing frenzy which has obsessed the local media?

There are four years to run before the next election and if Mr Sarkozy’s policies have not produced results by then he will be judged accordingly.
J. W-H
Albi