back to Chirac, I am sorry to say I see him entirely in a consistent traditions of French politicians back to C de G. (Perhaps I should say those French politicians who come to out attention accross the channel, mainly Mitterand and Delors. No doubt there are many others who are much better)

Namely that he is arrogant, self interested, utterly without principle save that whatever he/France wants is right, would dine with Satan himself if he felt it was in his or France's interests, and is wholly incapable of considering that any other nation may be his equal let alone superior in any respect. Finally, the sort of person who, should you be unfortunate to offer any assistance in any regard, will repay your help with undying hatred (OK, that may be C de G I am thinking of).

He must have redeeming features but I am at a loss to know what they are.