It’s pretty common knowledge that UMP leader Serge Vohor rarely acts without something to motivate him. His level of commitment to the actual election of a woman as head of state is probably best indicated by his canny decision to get two women to contest, virtually guaranteeing a split vote among the few who might conceivably be convinced to support the idea.

So what – or, more to the point, who – is behind this sudden buzz of interest in a female President?