1.   Even some Right-wing opposition politicians reckoned it was the best Mr Mitterrand could have done in the circumstances.

2.   He distracts attention with homophobic rants and attacks on opposition politicians and journalists.

3.   His comments brought an angry response from opposition politicians.

4.   Opposition politicians are screwing up their courage.

5.   Opposition politicians argued that there was not enough reason to go to war.

6.   Opposition politicians have called for restraints on public spending.