Leader: Ooh la la Cantona! Eric puts the boot in

FOR a time it looked as if France was heading for one of the most engrossing presidential election battles in its history. The familiar incumbent, Nicolas Sarkozy, and socialist contender François Hollande were facing a challenge from Eric Cantona, the legendary striker and purveyor of some of the most cryptic pronouncements ever to come from a footballer.

However, it emerged his entry to the race was designed to generate publicity for a charity for the homeless. That Mr Cantona’s entry was initially treated with all seriousness arguably tells us more about the state of the French national psyche than the enigmatic former Manchester United star. But which great footballing Scot could be considered a serious contender in the world of politics? After all, former East Fife player Henry McLeish made it to First Minister.

There is Pat Nevin, perhaps not quite a future First Minister or Prime Minister, but a natural contender for the post of culture secretary. Sir Alex Ferguson would be up to the challenge of UK defence minister. There is certainly no lack of Scots management talent in the world of football.

However, looking at the potential for disaster, more than red cards would be needed. Perhaps footballers, after all, should stick to football – just like David Beckham.