Emmanuel Macron appeared on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show on Sunday to discuss Brexit and his relationship with US president Donald Trump.
And while the French president provided story-thirsty British political journalists with an array of headlines, perhaps most striking was the praise his all-round performance drew from usually cynical hacks.
In the head-to-head, the En Marche! leader admitted France would have probably voted to leave the European Union if it had staged a referendum on membership.
And Macron renewed his warning that the UK would not be able to get full access to the Single Market without paying in money and accepting freedom of movement on Brexit.
Yet it was Macron’s willingness to engage with Marr, ditch soundbites and speak with passion that led many political observers to reflect on why the UK has to make do with second best.
Think what you like about Macron, but by God he answers a straight question. Our obfuscating politicians need to learn how to do that fast #Marr
Excellent body language from Macron on #marr. Plenty for our politicians to build on. Engaged with the interviewer. Answering the questions
Judge for yourself and watch the full interview at the top of the story …
Without going all fanboy, @EmmanuelMacron is a class act. Engaging and interesting interview with @AndrewMarr9. If only British politics could throw up someone similar. #marr
January 21, 2018
Macron iview on Marr is quite remarkable, when we’re in such a nadir for talented UK number politicians https://t.co/HRDjjrwyLj
Lot of Macron-envy among UK commentators this morning. Smart, articulate, engaged, etc – whatever you think of his policies. When did so many of today’s top UK politicians decide none of that stuff matters, and make meaningless repetitive question-dodging their default position?
January 21, 2018
My main emotion on watching that Macron interview on #Marr was profound embarrassment. Neither May nor Corbyn engage with interviewers that deeply & fluently – and English is their first language. pic.twitter.com/UFuaAEDLYB
January 21, 2018
Remember people, Msr Macron is sounding relaxed, confident and like a politician fully across his brief and at ease – in a foreign language
Never seen a response on Twitter like the response to Macron’s interview with Marr. Obviously there are haters but verdict is near unanimously positive, and respect from surprising quarters. Got to admire the fact that English ain’t his first language
January 21, 2018
Think the UK public has had its fill of Macron-like, sharp-suited charmers. The next big thing will be down to earth and straightforward. https://t.co/C5wA12hndM
January 21, 2018