A sense of dismay descended on Nicolas Sarkozy’s supporters who were gathered in a Paris hall last night. As the bleak results flowed in, they made an attempt to revive the spirit of his triumphant 2007 campaign. “Nicolas, président!” they shouted.
But the cry lacked the old verve. Some activists of the Union for a Popular Movement smiled wistfully and stayed silent, others just carried on chatting among themselves.
The supporters knew that it would take a near miracle for Mr Sarkozy to turn the tables and avoid becoming only the second President in 52 years to lose a bid