Royal separation overshadows French election result

While Socialist party members celebrated better than expected results in French parliamentary elections, things were not so happy in one socialist household.

After weeks of speculation, defeated Presidential candidate Segolene Royal finally admitted she had split from partner and Socialist Party leader Francios Hollande. She says she had wanted the spilt to remain private until after the elections.

“I had been against – after interrogation by a journalist – this information going out last night in the middle of a debate on the legislative elections,” said Royal.

News of the split overshadowed the release of election results but the impact of the separation on the party leadership battle immediately became a talking point.

Royal has made it clear that she wants to take the top job.

“It is absolutely logical that she can say what she is doing and her intentions,” said Hollande.

Despite Royal confirming her interests, Hollande has remained firm thoughout – he says he will not leave his post until autumn 2008.

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