Simon Heffer, the Daily Mail:

Of course, we like making jokes about Johnny Frenchman just as much as he likes making them about us. But our jests are underpinned, always, with a respect for the place and its marvellous culture – the fabulous countryside, the superb food, the magnificent wines, the soaring cathedrals and all those actresses.

Simon Heffer, the Daily Mail:

Our economy is far stronger than [Chirac’s]. We are best friends with the Americans, whom he also hates. We do not surrender to the Germans every couple of years and do not settle our political differences by rioting.

With thanks to The Friday Thing.