more a ripple than a tidal wave

So the right won, but not brilliantly - France seemed to vote with its head this time round. We even heard hardened right wingers in the village saying they would vote left so the government would be more balanced. And thus it came to pass. Alain Juppé loses his seat in Bordeaux. Segolene R and François H separate. Sarkozy tries not to look too annoyed as UMP seats fall to the PS. The Front National find themselves with no seats in the parliament. At last. What WILL the Le Pen family do now ? Moving from politics to personal life, Scarlet is 8 years old tomorrow and what fun we shall have. We may well close and have a family party for her. Here she is kicking off her pre-birthday party with a bit of fancy dress action.