I can remember a Conference I attended a few years ago where the (then) Director of Education in Norfolk was telling us that he had visited France in the summer holiday and had noticed how placards had been put up by people congratulating the local politicians on being re-elected. He was making the point that French people regard their local poiticians more highly thgan we do in the UK. Of course, his underlying message was that we ought to 'love' and 'respect' people like him more, instead of the constant criticism!! Unfortunately, he did not seem to understand the basic fact that love and respect have to be earned! So, is it true? Are local politicians more highly regarded in France than here in England?