`Juppe is a man, but a bit boorish’

TOULOUSE (FRANCE) May 24: Socialist leader Lionel Jospin has launched an attack on Premier Alain Juppe’s attitude toward women in politics, describing the Premier as “boorish”.

Speaking in Toulouse at the socialists’ final public meeting before this weekend’s first round of legislative elections, Jospin criticised the conservative Premier for being condescending toward women candidates.

When talking about Anne-Marie Idrac (Transport Minister) he declared, “she’s a woman, but a woman of quality,” Jospin said to roars of laughter from his supporters. “Imagine saying `he’s a man, but a man of quality.”’“Mr Juppe,” Jospin added, “Is a man, but a man a bit boorish.”