Nicolas Sarkozy came into office promising a radical break with past practices. In at least one regard he has lived up to his promise: his popularity has plummeted far faster and far deeper than any of his five predecessors achieved in the 50-year history of the Fifth Republic.

Having romped to the French presidency on a wave of popular expectation, his approval ratings languish at record lows, falling from 63 per cent last June to 37 per cent today. As he contemplates what he has achieved – and failed to achieve – over the past year, Mr Sarkozy should reflect on what he needs to improve over the next four years. This boils down to three things: prioritise, focus his energies, and deliver.