Politique

We here at the Communal Closet do not often go political on yo asses, but this past week has been an exciting one with regard to global elections. Here's a rundown, for those of you not aware/paying attention:

France: On May 6th Nicolas Sarkozy was elected President of the 5th French Republic. Sarkozy is the first President born after WWI and to not have been a practicing politician under outgoing President Jacques Chirac. The voter turnout was an impressive 85%, a number Americans might never see with regard to elections. Sarkozy beat out Segolene Royal, a glamorous socialist who campaigned to preserve the 35 hour work week and would have been France's first female president. Student riots have ensued- ah, the French and their riots- because of Sarkozy's alignment and sympathy for the US War in Iraq (Chirac was anti).

Ireland: A new administrative body was formed to govern Northern Ireland, a province long torn apart by civil strife between ruling British Protestants and Irish Catholics. The government will be headed by- dah dah DAH!- a formerly extreme anti-Catholic minister from Britain and the reigning party leader from Sinn Fein (Irish political party, loosely translated from Gaelic as "ourselves") who was formerly deeply involved with the IRA. The two proposed goals such as improving hospitals and schools. We are hoping that this alliance leads to a better life for the people of Northern Ireland!