Euro 2012 Qualifiers - 03 June 2011

03 June 2011 | Highlights | GER | 720x400= Group A =Austria v GermanyDuckload : 1st Half | 2nd Half ............. FileKeen : 1st Half | 2nd HalfHotfile : 1st Half | 2nd Half ............. Fileserve : 1st Half | 2nd HalfBelgium v TurkeyDuckload | FileKeen | Hotfile | Fileserve= Group C =Italy v EstoniaDuckload | FileKeen | Hotfile | Fileserve= Group D =Romania v Bosnia-HerzegovinaDuckload |

France SS 2003/2004 Player Performance Jersey

France SS 2003/2004 Player Performance Rugby Jersey made by Nike. Official performance rugby jersey released for the 2003/2004 season. Features Nike and FFR logo sponsor sublimated on the center. Material: 100% polyester DryFit. Color: Blue. Used but still in good condition.

Size: L
Prize: MYR 170

Special Edition: France Player SS Performance Rugby World Cup 2003 Rugby Jersey

France Player SS Performance Rugby World Cup 2003 Rugby Jersey made by Nike. Made in Portugal. Official player performance rugby jersey released for Rugby World Cup 2003 season. Nike and FFR embroidered on the chest. France and Nike embroidered on the left sleeve. Color: Red/Blacks. Material: 70% Cotton, 30% polyester. Used but in excellent condition. Extremely hard to find and cannot be bought at the shop. Limited edition item.

Size: L
Prize: MYR 270

France SS Test (Player issues) Home 2009/2010 Rugby Jersey

France SS Test (Player issues) Home Rugby Jersey 2009/2010 made by Nike. France (FFR) test jersey is an exact reproduction of the game day jersey (tight fitting garment). Official players jersey in polyester nylon and spandex. Material: 89% Polyester and 11% Spandex. Constructed from a variety of materials mapped to different parts of the body to provide the player with the ultimate in performance materials where they are needed the most. Double-layer stretch knit for strength and mobility and grip print for enhanced control during games. Including national team badge, swoosh and gripper pattern. Color: Blue. This jersey were used during Six Nations 2010 season. Proud to be FFR Six Nations 2010 winner. New with tag.
Size: XXL and XXXL (3XL)

Prize: MYR 350

France SS Test (Player issues) Home Rugby Jersey 2008/2009

France SS Test (Player issues) Home Rugby Jersey 2008/2009 made by Nike. France (FFR) test jersey is an exact reproduction of the game day jersey (tight fitting garment). Official players jersey in polyester nylon and spandex. Material: 89% Polyester and 11% Spandex. Constructed from a variety of materials mapped to different parts of the body to provide the player with the ultimate in performance materials where they are needed the most. Double-layer stretch knit for strength and mobility and grip print for enhanced control during games. Including national team badge, swoosh and gripper pattern. This jersey were used during Six Nations 2009 last season. New with tag.
Size: XL

Prize: MYR 350

Cup of Good Hop Final - which is the world's finest beer?

This is the final Cup of Good Hop - at least as far as WC2010 is concerned. We'd like to thank everyone who has made the competition possible, all those who have promoted it and made COGH the wild success it has been. It's been a hell of a lot of fun, and chances are we will reprise the format during the season, and undoubtedly we'll do something around the theme of the 2012 Euro qualifiers.

So, enjoy the last two matches, Stuart's final examination of European beer and other fripperies and catch you soon. There is of course, the whole COGH experience here - more than 50 posts from tracking down our first beer, through all 64 match reports to the grand final right here.

All the best and enjoy,

Peter and James...

Northumberland Police's new crack negotiator yesterday

3RD / 4TH PLACE PLAYOFF

Match 63:

France 1

Cointreau 46

Nigeria 3

Amataxi 6, 48, Yobbo 23, Ohdear 71

Guinness Foreign Extra rides roughshod over La Choulette, though both sides can be far happier with their COGH performances compared to the complete rubbish they served up in South Africa over the last month. The French brew was ultimately a little too sweet, and tasted a little too much like Special Brew for it to win the bronze medal. The Guinness - dark, brooding and tasting a little of liquorice (but not too much to offend) had ample class to cruise through the penultimate encounter - a fitting build-up to the final itself, which promises to be a classic.

Now...
here's Stuart Fuller's final preview of the 2012 Euros...

Group G
England – Fullers Honey Dew Ale
Switzerland - Samichlaus
Bulgaria- Zagorka
Wales- Brains
Montenegro- Niksicko

A strange suggestion for the English entry but sharing my surname, and having a distinct honey taste, Honey Dew Ale is absolutely perfect, served ice cold on a summer’s day. It has to be a good beer to get anywhere near our World Cup winner, the 14% Samichlaus brew which is only brewed once a year on the 6th December in celebration of Santa Claus. It is a ploy by the Swiss that if you drink this you have no knowledge of whether Santa actually makes it down the chimney or not. Wales may be a dark horse here as well. Brains is no weak link here. The tipple of choice of toddlers in the valleys, and drunk in huge quantities by Gavin Hensen after mistaking it for Ronsil i.e “Does what it says on the tin”. Bulgaria have only recently got into beer after blocking out the memory of some awful fashion statements with Raki for so many years and so Zagorka may not fair too well although I doubt it will stop Redknapp making a ludicrous bid for him. Montenegro’s offering could well be the title from a Tarrantino film and the gore that could result may just be a bridge too far for us.

Group H
Portugal – Super Bock
Denmark – Jacobsen Brown
Norway - Ringnes
Cyprus – KEO
Iceland – Viking Sterkur

This is the group that could spring a surprise. It is also the group of pleasure if we were ever thinking of holding the Euro Championship of women. Denmark is my second home and for that reason I am calling the shots on this one. Carlsberg produce a dozen or so brands in Denmark and the Jacobsen brown is a lovely chocolately brew found in a few bars and off licenses around the city. Ringnes may be the most popular beer in Norway but it is another “same old” from the Carlsberg brewery and the similarities with plain old Carlsberg international brew is all too clear to see. Super Bock is another holiday favourite and is commonality may be its undoing here. Cyprus’s KEO is in the same camp – almost unheard off outside the tourist resorts but you cannot escape it when you are there in the sunburn burger bars. Iceland is a strange place – not just for its economic and volcanic situation. Beer was actually banned until 1989 and every day on the 1 March the country stops for Beer Day to celebrate its repeal, enjoying a few Viking Sterkurs along the way. Out of sheer admiration for such abstinence they may get one of the two top spots here.

Group I
Spain - Moritz
Czech Republic - Budvar
Scotland- Deuchars
Lithuania- Svyturys
Liechtenstein - Brauhaus

Without a brewery of its own for over 90 years, Liechtenstein’s offering is certainly worth the wait and could well spring a surprise in this group. Lithuania is one of those countries that need an identity and its beer seems to blend in with the offerings of Poland and Latvia and that may be an issue here. Scotland – well what can we say? Tenants Extra would be harsh on a country better known for its Whisky. But we have plumped for a Deuchars which is becoming one of the best exports from north of the border since Kelly Dalglish. We could have gone with a typical San Miguel from Spain or for their offering from the COGH but we have gone with a Catalan Moritz which hopefully is more palatable than a walk down the Las Ramblas at night. Finally, the Czech’s. They love a good Pilsner but we don’t think you can get a better lager in the world than Budvar and this must be favourites from a weak group.

Summary
In an ideal world we would love to see some of the underdogs qualify but we know that come Cup of Good Hop time in June 2012 we will be faced with the likes of England, Italy, France, Germany et al. And that will surely mean no place on the European stage for the classics of Hooligan or Layla Dirty Blonde. Shame real shame.

The sole reason Dutch football is riding high

Cup of Good Hop Final

Match 64:

Spain 1

Amarillo 54

Switzerland 3
Federal 20, Toblerone 51, Franc 76

Samichlaus was heralded as the world's finest beer with a majestic display - not only for its sublime taste, but also the mythic 14% effect on the brain. It's hard to describe the feeling but its mighty, mighty fine. The whole of Spain can be proud of the performances of Alhambra Mezquita throughout COGH - arguably of better quality than the national team in S. Africa, but ultimately it wasn't quite enough. Samichlaus was the first beer we sourced way back in mid-May, and little did we know that we needn't have searched any further to find the best... over and out - well done Switzerland, you brewing maestros...

The Winner: Glorious

The presentation of the trophy... emotional scenes

Semi-Finals - which are the two mightiest beers?

Cristiano Ronaldo - a cry baby who is incapable of doing anything other than rolling around on the floor... or is that his son?

Twitter Titter #6

davidschneider

Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo on the birth of his son, John Terry Jr

Cup of Good Hop
Semi-Final 1

Match 61:
France 1

Ribaldry 35

Spain 1

Amarillo 4

(Spain won on penalties)

An almighty battle and no mistake - was almost impossible to select a winner - but ultimately Alhambra Mezquita winkled its way into the final by a whisker. France's La Choulette was 'just a tad too sweet' and 'tasted more boozy' than its smooth Spanish adversary. However, to come this close to the final means the French can hold their beery heads up high - well, far higher than their footballers can. And with Spain's WC2010 progress and Rafa Nadal, what a summer it has been for the Spanish - no need for an inquisition right now...

COGH unveil new taster for next World Cup

Euro 2012 Preview - part two

Stuart Fuller takes us through down some of the stranger cul-de-sacs of european booze who'll be fighting it out in COGH 2012...

Group D
France – Kronenbourg

Romania – Ursus

Bosnia –Herzegovina – Nektar

Belarus – Brovar (Carlsberg)

Albania – Birra Malto

Luxembourg - Mousel

France has more to offer than just Kronenbourg and this variety will be needed to get out of a group of ordinary beers on the face of it. Bosnia’s Nektar may be fit for the gods in Sarajevo but will it cut the mustard when up against a big Brovar from White Russia. Carlsberg again providing the ammunition in a world in which they dominate.

And what about Albania? Birra Malto sounds a bit agricultural to me, as it is been fermented with various unexplained root vegetables. Luxembourg is just dull, and despite its borders with great beer nations France, Belgium and Germany I am not holding out much hope. I have a feeling this will be the group of death in terms of disappointing offerings but I may be wrong....

Group E

Netherlands – Amstel

Sweden – God Lager

Finland – Sahti

Hungary – Arany Arzok

Moldova – Bere Chisinau

San Marino – Amacord

Finland’s Sahti, which apparently has a strong taste of bananas kicks off the group and sets a fruity tone for events to come we imagine. The Swedes love a beer, but their government frowns upon such excesses and waters down their brew, so much so that many hop on a boat every Saturday in Helsingborgs and head to Denmark to import their special brew.

God Lager - from the Nils Oscar brewery - is Sweden's biggest export but will it have the strength to knock out the likes of Hungary’s Arany Arzok’s who Arsene Wenger tried to sign for Arsenal a few seasons ago. Top marks to San Marino for actually bothering to have a brewery despite its size and no marks for Amstel, because, well it’s just Amstel which tasks as if it has been produced in a brewery that is simply called Beer.

Group F
Croatia – Zlatni Medved
Greece - Mykos
Israel – Layla Dirty Blonde Beer
Latvia - Kimmel
Georgia – Argo Dark
Malta – Cisk XS

Croatia may have top billing as seeds in this group but will it come out on top in a group of unknowns. Zlatni Medved or Golden Bear is one of the best reasons to go to Zagreb, along with the stunning women and the football violence – perhaps the three are interlinked in some way? Greece – Euro2004 winners but since then they have bored us rigid on the world football stage and with an offering like Mykos they will need to do so much more to finish above bottom spot.

Now Israel...We could have gone with the Maccabee brand but when you see a beer named after one of the songs and singers of all time you just have to track that down. Eric Clapton and Madonna would be proud of this export beer. Kimmel is the best known brand in Latvia and has been the tipple of choice for all discerning stags for the past few years.

Many a monumental night has been accompanied by strippers and Kimmel and we think the Latvians may be onto a winner here. I typed in Georgia Beers into Google and blow me down it told me that she was a world renowned author of Lesbian fiction. Do we need to look elsewhere for a winner in this group? We do? Bother – ok well let’s try an Argo Dark then.

Finally, Malta, home of one of the most historical pubs in the world – aptly called “The Pub”. It was here that Ollie Read finally fell off his bar stool whilst drinking a Cisk XS 9% pale lager...probably.

Semi-Final 2
Match 62:
Nigeria 2
Oddbinnsa 1, Youngboy-Byrne (O.G) 42
Switzerland 3
Pepperami (pen) 7, Schwigger 50, Yacking 77

The Swiss going storming on, picking off some of the genuine heavyweights of the tournament as they progress. The intoxifying effects of Samichlaus - 'Santa Claus' in German - is by this point quite profound. 'It really has a different affect on the old noggin than anything else,' says Dan. And more to the point, its an effect we all love. Guinness Foreign Extra has had a hugely positive reaction over the course of this tournament, and could well have got through to the final had it faced any of the other semi-finalists... hard lines.

Next time... tune in on Sunday for the Cup of Good Hop Final and 3rd / 4th playoff match and much, much more... cheers, Peter and James

France SS Test (Player issue) Away Rugby Jersey 2009/2010

France SS Test (Player issues) Away Rugby Jersey 2009/2010 made by Nike. France (FFR) test jersey is an exact reproduction of the game day jersey (tight fitting garment). Official players jersey in polyester nylon and spandex. Material: 89% Polyester and 11% Spandex. Constructed from a variety of materials mapped to different parts of the body to provide the player with the ultimate in performance materials where they are needed the most. Double-layer stretch knit for strength and mobility and grip print for enhanced control during games. Including national team badge, swoosh and gripper pattern. This jersey were used during Six Nations 2010 season. Proud to be FFR Six Nations 2010 winner!!!! New with tag.
Size: L, XL and XXL

Prize: MYR 350

COGH Quarter Finals - The Big Beasts start to clash...

Cup of Good Hop - The Final Countdown

There are only eight matches left in COGH - eight countries left - eight beers that have admirably displayed their attributes, their strength and all the ingredients that make them among the best brews on the planet. To reach this stage, every single one of them are winners, but ultimately seven of them will lose. Here's how the quarter-finalists line up:-

France (La Choulette) versus

Germany (Erdinger)

Japan (Sapporo) v

Spain (Alhambra Mezquitza)

Nigeria (Guinness Foreign Extra) v

Australia (Coopers Sparkling Ale)

Paraguay (Palo Santo Marron) v

Switzerland (Samichlaus)

Match 57:

France 2
Aznavour 34, Mitterand 69

Germany 1
Hasselhoff 67

A mammoth pan-European encounter produced drama a-plenty, with the French Blonde Bombshell winning our over the Weissbeer. 'This is like Special Brew for Kings,' said Peter of the Gallic £3-a-bottle concoction. Erdinger won lots of plaudits but just fell short in a titantic, tight battle. 'Ooh la-la,' was all Dan had to say, and let his tastebuds do the judging as La Choulette took a well deserved berth in the semis.

Match 58:

Japan 0

Spain 2

Chavvy 23, Burrito 80

To be fair, Sapporo had enjoyed a relatively easy passage into the last eight - winning the frankly awful Group E. Consequently when it was time to face some proper beer in top-flight competition it was found wanting. 'Essentially it doesn't taste of anything much,' says Stu. Conversely Mezquita was pulling up taste-trees, a strong yet finely balanced beer that can hold its own with the best - is among the bookies favourites for the COGH trophy.

France Football Team

France wallpaper

France football team world cup

France team football

France football team picture

France football team in training

The Knock-Out Phase - No Second Chances

What next for Cup of Good Hop?

As the World Cup rolls towards the beginning of its end, our thoughts here at COGH turn to what should become of the site. We've had suggestions that we should run a Champions League version next season, and we are currently sizing this up. We could also run occasional Premier / Football League Beer face-offs. What do you think? Write and tell us what we should do, even if its to take a long run off a short pier.

Oh dear... well, we'll see tomorrow won't we?

Match 49:
France 4

Marceau 13, 57 Merci-Beaucoup 70, Cissy (pen) 85
Argentina 1

Galtieri 49

Sweet, hoppy with a touch of spice. We're not talking about a Skippy the Bush Kangeroo porn flick - this is La Choulette, and its thorough beating of Quilmes. 'This is going to be one tough mother to beat,' says Deaks approvingly. The Argentines may be having a stunning WC2010, but their beer oddessy came to an end, as one of the last 'Bog-Standard Lagerland' entrants bites the dust. Peter's parting shot was that Quilmes tastes like 'something your dad would drink in the 70s with a bit of lime cordial in it.' Ouch.

Barbie drink's from Cindy's furry Cup of Good Hop -
Obviously too much Jelen Pivo

Match 50:
Slovenia 2
Rektal 36, 48
Germany 2
Mullered 12, Geradehaus 50
(Germany won on penalties)

Weissbeer (Erdinger) vs quality ale (the Slovenian hops of Broadside) - not exactly comparing like with like but we had to go there, and there was barely the thickness of a beermat to separate them at the finish. 'They're so different,' says James, 'one's a summer beer and the other is one for around Christmas.' Stu comes up with a suggestion - 'well as its summer then we should give it to the Germans, and thus one of the toughest decisions yet in COGH is reluctantly made.

Yet more Group A - let's see them again...

Well, well, well, it would seem that Switzerland's World Cup side have been inspired by the performance of their COGH compatriot. Spain have got a mountain to climb - surely more appropriate for the Swiss. Who would have thought our humble beer challenge would be like an amber-coloured crystal ball?

Meanwhile, the five of us have been studiously capturing our thoughts on Post-Its, in notebooks and all other kinds of media. Deaks has been doing a stirling job as the compiler of the former and sticking them on the COGH Wallchart.

Hang on - what are Sindy and Barbie doing?!

There may have been fewer goals in the first round of matches in the World Cup than ever before, but there has been plenty of action as far as COGH is concerned. And now it's time for each of our beers to do battle once more - and for us to boldly go where no beer drinkers have gone before...

Fifa's new World Cup ball considered too light

Match 17:

South Africa 0

Uruguay 2

Forlan-Over 48, Uren 74

Durban Pale Ale continues to annoy the lads - 'there's a load of crap in the bottom,' says a non-plussed Peter. James rules it out as a session beer, saying he'd not be drinking the host's beer again in a hurry. 'It's even got a disappointing cap,' adds Dan disparagingly. Harvey's Blue Label - chosen as a tribute to Brighton's Uruguayan manager Gus Poyet gets an infinitely better reception. 'This is what real beer tastes like,' opines Deaks, wishing it was 5% and not a wishy-washy three-and-a-half. Clearly an example of doing the easy things well, and grabbing three deserved points.

COGH prefers Uwe Seeler to Vuvuzelas

Match 18:

France 3

Ribaldry 7, 34, Cissy 25

Mexico 1

Dirty-Sanchez 40

Mexico made to look bog-standard by this artisan delight. 'I still think this is a girl's beer,' says Stu, looking bemused by its presence in his hand. 'Stick a bit of lime in it,' says Dan, but receives little response. La Choulette continues to impress, a complex whirlwind of a beer that smells and tastes as seductive as a night on the Left Bank with some up-for-it sort called Mimi. 'They love a strike and Sasha Distelle, but I know what I like and I like this...Allez, allez allez' Nuff said.

Corona - Someone did put some lime in it eventually

Group A Table

		P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	France	2	2	0	0	7	3	+4	6
2	Uruguay	2	1	0	1	4	4	0	3
3	Mexico	2	1	0	1	3	4	-1	3
4	South Africa	2	0	0	2	1	4	-3	0

COGH Analysis: Les Bleus are flying high and into the next round, probably as winners. The whole group depends on the Uruguay v Mexico tie, and the hosts look like they will be eliminated barring miracles, rather like their WC2010 equivalents.

Friday's Games (June 11th)

Here at COGH we intend to bring you match reports on the day, but we've been a little err... busy with beer at the weekend

Come on!!!

The World Cup of Good Hop - what it's all about...

Consequently, as we've been otherwise engaged, the first few reports will be a tad tardy. So - without further ado, let's meet the teams for Friday's games:-

Group A photo (l to r: Uruguay, S.Africa, Mexico, France)
Here they are again from a different camera angle...

South Africa

Durban Pale Ale, 5.7%
"It pours a hazy Caramac colour, with an immediate blast of marmalade orange on the nose, a toffee character and just a hint of spice. On the palate it is medium- to full-bodied, and an initial hit of sweetness is soon swept along by a tide of nicely chewy and tangy hops and a gentle fruitiness."
Beerpages.com

Mexico
Corona, 4.7%
(it was going to be Pacifico but James drank it on the train one night)
"Is there any better tasting beer than Corona? It means Crown in Spanish, and I have to think I agree with their assessment."
Walter Stevens, Reviewstream.com

France
La Choulette, 7.5%
"Russet-coloured French beer with a spicy and bitter orange aroma and a hint of chocolate. Bitter, peppery hops burst through on the tongue, balanced by rich grain and a Grand Marnier orange fruitiness." Beerpages.com

Uruguay

Harvey's Blue Label, 3.6%
"A full-bodied pale ale which should impart a delicate hop character behind the residual sweetness of the malt sugars."
Harvey's website

Match 1:
South Africa 1
Matthew Booze 32

Mexico 2
Bar-erra 68, Blanko 84

Dan is quick of the mark with a disparaging opinion of the host nation's effort - 'cloudy and bitter - possibly off', and a general consensus that it resembled stagnant piss. Conversely, Deaks thought Mexico was 'crisp and refreshing... need nachos... good hair of the dog material'. Stu was less enamoured, declaring Corona 'a girl's beer - pure and simple'. A lacklustre curtain opener - especially considering all the hype and excitement leading up to the tournament.

Cloudy or off? It's a tough call...

Match 2:
Uruguay 2
Loadeiro 7, Forlan-Over 78

France 4
Gallo 4, Squiffaci 45, 47, Ribaldry 90+3

A sparkling encounter which gave the lads something to cheer about. The French impressed from the start, with James being bowled over by the label if not the cap. Peter reckons he's be happy accompanying La Choulette dans la piscine - and admired the melony through taste and sweet notes flying over the palate. Uruguay put in a good account of themselves, with Dan imagining it would normally be poured by a barmaid with thin arms, but ultimately could not live with this Gallic talisman.

Arty shot: The Uruguayan attack(Front), with La Choulette resplendent in the background.

Well, that's about it from a memorable Day One of COGH. Stay tuned for the first Group B games very soon... It's ok, we won't broadcast any ads over the goals, unlike some channels we could mention.

France (FFR) Rugby Scarf

France rugby scarf made by Nike. Material Acrylic.
Prize: MYR 80

France RWC 2007 Home Supporters LS Rugby Jersey

France RWC 2007 Home Supporters LS Rugby Jersey made by Nike. Official rugby jersey released for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Colour Navy. 100% Cotton.

Size: XXL
Prize: SOLD

France 06/07 Pro Home SS Rugby Jersey

France 06/07 Pro Home SS Rugby Jersey Made By Nike Dry-Fit. Material: 100% Polyester. Color Navy/White

Size: L
Condition: Used but still in good condition
Prize: MYR 200

New Libertas funding claim in France: MEP Coûteaux accuses MPF of taking Libertas cash

Hunting in packs the new threat to Franch democarcy the "Mad Vicount" Phillipe de Villiers,
Declan" I am not a liar, a murderer, CIA, KGB" Ganley and Frédéric "The Psycho" Nihous

Declan Ganley's Libertas are accused of funding French party Movement Pour le France
De Villiers decision to go under the banner of liberty is far from unanimous in the party. MEP Paul-Marie Coûteaux has declared that the MPF have recieved funding from Libertas according to La Tribune.

32 federation presidents have signed a motion of no confidence against Philippe de Villiers. . At the top of the rebellion,

Coûteaux

also said "why do we sovereignists, we would agree to be led by a foreigner?"

MEP goes even further, accusing the MPF of receiving funding from Libertas. "

"Slander!" Nihous Villiers heartily reply and to ensure that "no one eurocent Libertas will be used for the French country."

The presidents of Hunting, Fishing, Nature and Traditions (CPNT) and the Movement for France (MPF), launched their campaign for European elections. The movements of the two former presidential candidates to go under the banner of Libertas, the party created by the Irish leader.


For the MPF and CPNT, the Libertas campaign will give the finger to the entrance of Turkey into Europe, against which Philippe de Villiers has struggled for several years. For this Libertas demands that the European Parliament imposes a "perimeter of Europe." "We want a Europe that promotes and defends us," says Philippe de Villiers, alluding to the introduction of a system of preference in emigration.
For Declan Ganley, the implementation of the text would lead Europe to a phase of "post-democracy." "So you will lose any opportunity to make your voice heard in Brussels." Dramatizing, the Irishman continued: "Millions of people have shed their blood all over Europe for democracy!"

Frédéric Nihous calls on the EU to establish a "true European environmental policy" calling for "putting people at the heart of the debate." "Stop dreaming! Stop being utopians'," he says. Beyond a willingness to work together, the president of CPNT quickly found other things in common with Ganley, also a hunter. Frédéric Nihous declared "we will hunt in packs."

Although Libertas officially announce the composition of its list in"ten to fifteen days," Philippe de Villiers has confirmed that he would run in the West, and Frédéric Nihous in the Northwest. As for the nomination of Jerome Riviere, director of the French countryside for Libertas, and the head of the list francilienne, is no longer a secret. Patrick Louis should be renewed in the Southeast.

But the decision to go under the banner of Libertas is far from unanimous in the party.

32 federation presidents have signed a motion of no confidence against Philippe de Villiers. At the top of the rebellion, MEP Paul-Marie Coûteaux stresses that Libertas had "enormous problems". He was to the head of the list for the Ile-de-France , he denounced a "grip on the campaign" on the MPF party of Declan Ganley." The prize of leading the campaign was given to Philippe de Villiers.. Coûteaux continued: "why do we sovereignists agree to be led by a foreigner?"

The MEP went even further, accusing the MPF of recieving funding from Libertas. "Slander!" declare Nihous and Villiers "not one eurocent from Libertas will be made for the French countryside."

Ganley denies 1 million offer to Swedish party despite McGuirk statement,

Declan Ganley on left indulges his love of all things military

Ganley denies the fact that Libertas made an offer to Swedish party Junilistan. This despite the fact that John McGurik of Libertas Ireland and one of defence contactor Ganley's puppet boys admitted on Newstalk 106 that Libertas had discussed cash and that a figure around 1 million could have been discussed. Here

Rivada Pacific war gear on try out during Katrina in New Orleans.

de Villiers’s and Mr Nihous’s also deny recieving cash.
Lara Marlowe in Paris gives us a refreshing insight into General Ganley's crusade from Libertas' Paris press conference.

Cedar Lounge gives a refreshing take on Ganley's "crank's alliance" here

Thursday, March 12, 2009
Irish Times

Right-wing parties rally under Libertas banner

LARA MARLOWE in Paris

JOY IS not an emotion one usually associates with Viscount Philippe de Villiers, the right-wing French politician who has built his career on fear-mongering over the influx of Muslim immigrants and opposition to what he calls the “oligarchs and commissars” of Brussels.

But “joy” was the word Mr de Villiers used to describe the launching of a joint European parliamentary election campaign uniting his Movement for France (MPF) and Frédéric Nihous’s Hunting, Fishing, Nature and Tradition (CPNT) party under the Libertas.eu banner yesterday.

Libertas founder Declan Ganley, whom Mr de Villiers called “our hero”, proudly watched over the ceremony.

Mr de Villiers delivered a romantic version of Mr Ganley’s alleged heroism. “They fobbed a repeat of the constitution on us, and one man rose up, an Irish businessman who won the support of the people.”

Mr de Villiers’s tone veered into sarcasm, his speciality. The good people of Ireland were in for a surprise, he said. “When people vote No, they must be forced to vote again.”

Hence the importance of June’s European elections. Since 26 EU countries were deprived of a vote on Lisbon, “this European election must replace the referendum people didn’t have”.

Mr de Villiers mingled grievances against Europe and President Nicolas Sarkozy. Europe “must draw its borders, once and for all, without Turkey”, he said. He complained that Mr Sarkozy has allowed negotiations on Turkish accession to proceed on 10 of 35 chapters. And Mr Sarkozy did away with a constitutional provision requiring a French referendum on Turkish accession.

Then it was time for a tirade against “the crazy madmen who continue stealing people’s identity and traditions”. Europe was preparing regulations that would make rosé wine by mixing red and white, Mr de Villiers claimed. And Europe wanted to impose health warnings on camembert cheese! Standing beside Mr Ganley, champion of free markets, Mr de Villiers the protectionist pleaded for “European preference, so that Europe can fight outsourcing and the transfer of our means of production to China”.

Still standing beside Mr Ganley, the defence contractor who has just named four former senior defence officials from the US and Britain to the board of his company, Mr de Villiers condemned Mr Sarkozy’s announcement yesterday that he is bringing France back into the integrated military command of Nato. “The return to Nato is the end of the independence of France. It is the end of the very idea of European defence.”

Mr Ganley took the floor, calling France “the beating heart of Europe”. But where Mr de Villiers voiced grievances, Mr Ganley incited them.

If the Lisbon Treaty is ratified, he said, there will never be another referendum.

“The small little bit of power you have will be taken away from you!” Mr Ganley harangued the small crowd of journalists as if they were supporters at a rally. “These elites in Brussels have silenced the French people. They ignored you completely! They point at the people of France and the Netherlands and Ireland and they say, ‘There is something wrong with you. You are ignorant. You are not European.’”

It was time for people to “tell the elites in Brussels, ‘No. There is something wrong with you.’”

Paul-Marie Coûteaux, one of three MEPs elected on Mr de Villiers’s list five years ago, created a storm by denouncing the party’s alliance with Mr Ganley on the eve of the launch.

Mr Coûteaux accused Mr Ganley of supporting the election of a president of Europe by universal suffrage, Turkish accession to the EU and Nato membership for all European states.

Mr Ganley confounded several sources who had the strong impression that he supported Turkey’s EU application and Nato.

“I completely agree on Turkey,” he said. “On the matter of Nato, this is a decision that must be made at member-state level. Ireland is neutral.”

(In an article he published in the US in 2003, Mr Ganley attacked the constitutional treaty on the grounds it would damage the traditional defence relationship between Europe and the US.)

So how much was Libertas contributing to Mr de Villiers’s and Mr Nihous’s European campaigns? “Not one centime!” he protested, denouncing “unhealthy, malignant rumours” and “calumny”. “Not a sou!” added Mr Nihous. When I asked Mr Ganley whether Libertas had offered Swedish party Junilistan €900,000 to campaign under his party’s name, he answered with a sharp “No” and walked away.

Have Libertas secured 3.39 % of the French electorate? 2 former French presidental candidates may run for Libertas June 7 09 EU poll

Frédéric Nihous smiles for the camera

It may seem like good news for Libertas but will the French vote for traditionalist cadidates who run for Libertas? Peoplekorps in France reports the rumours and the feeling on the ground and concludes Libertas will turn off traditional hard right French voters and may drive them back to Le Pen.



Rumours abound in France that a second candidate from the last presidential race will run in the north West contituency(Nord-Ouest (Basse-Normandie, Haute-Normandie, Nord - Pas-de-Calais et Picardie),Picardy region in Normandy for Declan Ganley's Libertas in the European elections.

Frédéric Nihous leader of Chasse Pêche Nature et Tradition (CPNT) the Hunting , Fishing, Nature and Tradition party has not denied the rumours. His party are expected to announce an election pact with Phillipe de Villiers Mouvement pour la France (MPF) on 11 March. The MPF have indictated that they will run 2 candidates for Libertas. The date 11 March is also the date announced for the launch of the new website for Libertas France.

Frédéric Nihous got 420.097 votes (1,15% ) while Philippe de Villiers received 815.781 votes (2,24%) in the first round of voting nationally in the élections présidentielles de 2007 en France. Their candidatcies were publicity stunts as neither had a hope of winning. Both parties exposes anti-EU policies.
Though de Villiers may have a chance at retaining his seat it is not known how the Franch publuic will take to the pan European Libertas ticket.

In Paris this weekend this blogger asked a group of French people from the regions but living in Paris what they thought of Frédéric Nihous. At first they could not remember that he ran in the presidential election dominated by Sarkozy and Royale. On reflection they recalled his party and declared him a joke. The prospect of his running for Libertas, a party led by a British man of Irish decent and a man who made his living as a US Defence contractor, was the subject of much comment. Nihous stock went down from joke to "idiot from the fringe" and "lunatic".

"No one will vote for him or his American party" said Jean, originally from Brittainy, "the CPNT are for old people and are about an old Gaulist rural led vision of France. That they would be running candidates for this Ganley will get no support from that little base. They would prefer to vote for Jean -Marie (le Pen)".

The association with Libertas could be a nail in the coffins of both candidates electoral chances and unhappy right wing voters may well recourse to the old far right reliable le Pen and his Front Nationale candidates in the European elections. Le Pen's daughter Marine LE PEN will also be running in the Nord Quest constituency for Europe. It will be interesting to see how they react to Ganley and his party.
Libertas will aid Frédéric Nihous a lot with their vast funding. Already they have hired a team of top communications professionals and are spending hugely on their central campiagn. that before they have even announced their candidates which they will do in Rome on March 25th, the 52nd anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome.

Frédéric Nihous relaxing in the woods

Frédéric Nihous tête de liste dans la circonscription Nord-Ouest ? - Ce n'est pour l'instant qu'une rumeur, qui pourrait toutefois rapidement être officialisée. L'ancien candidat à la présidentielle pour Chasse Pêche Nature et Tradition (CPNT) devrait être la tête de liste, dans la circonscription Nord-Ouest (Basse-Normandie, Haute-Normandie, Nord - Pas-de-Calais et Picardie), du parti européen souverainiste Libertas, dont fait aussi partie, pour le scrutin de juin, le Mouvement pour la France (MPF). Patrick Louis, numéro deux du parti de Philippe de Villiers, était de passage dans la métropole lilloise mardi. Le député européen MPF a confirmé qu'un « accord de principe » avait été trouvé entre le MPF et CPNT pour cette élection. Ce secret de Polichinelle sera officialisé le 11 mars à l'occasion du lancement de la campagne du MPF. L'élu n'a par ailleurs pas démenti la candidature du Picard dans la région.

Spot the difference
official web sites of

Chasse Pêche Nature et Tradition
Front Nationale
Mouvement pour la France