Sarkozy Is At It Again

When Sarky became President, he appointed all sorts of unknowns to senior cabinet posts in the French government including an old girlfriend (Rachida Dati – see post of 9^th January) and some he quite clearly fancied but hadn’t got his hands on yet. The word was and still is, that these ‘emotional’ appointees weren’t quite up to the job and only last week he managed to convince Dati to leave the cabinet and take up another, more lucrative post elsewhere. That’s diplomatic speak for being fired!

You’d think he’d learn his lesson or at least his missus would ‘advise’ him on some of his appointments but nope, he’s at it again. With Dati going, there was a bit of musical chairs in the French Government and the chair which was left empty (yes – I know that’s not how the game is played), is reputedly to be occupied by one Christine Kelly.

It’s not a very French name is it but she’s a very popular TV presenter in France and is probably even more popular when she strips down to her bikini for some of her shows (see picture)? Apparently, Kelly, who has been ‘hand-picked’ by Sarkozy, is to be the new face of ethnic diversity in France by becoming the minister for overseas territories, an especially important role as many of the islands involved are currently suffering severe economic hardship and social unrest. Kelly, 39, is probably reasonably well qualified for the role as she was born on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, a department of France.

There have been various denials about Ms Kelly’s  possible appearance in the French Government, with political commentators saying that it was all a smoke-screen to take the attention away from Dati, who was something of a favourite after returning to work five days after giving birth to a daughter. Political opponents on the other hand are talking up Kelly’s ‘appointment’ as a way of drawing attention to Sarkozy’s blatant disregard for political skills and experience when he makes his appointments, preferring to concentrate on how good looking they are.

So – what’s my view? I think Sarkozy has got it spot on. Look at his appointments and his love life and then compare that to the British Government and Gordon Brown.

For Rachida Dati – think Jacqui Smith. For Christine Kelly – think Hazel Blears. Nuff said.