What is the exact nature of this so-called "Alliance" anyhow?  How do two first-round candidates ally against a third?  There is no Instant Run-off Voting AFAIK.    In the vote on April 22 they must choose Bayrou, Royal or an other.  As I read it this was essentially the response from Royal's camp, that there is simply no practical way to achieve said "alliance" anyhow.

Now, should one candidate essentially drop out and endorse the other to "unite" the party you would have essentially the scenario we saw in the US in 2004.  Kerry represented the "Anybody But Bush" electorate and he got wiped off the map in an election that several other Democrats who sought the nomination would probably have won.  This idea that Royal or Bayrou might have difficulty defeating Sarkozy in a 2nd round thus we should vote for the other one is absurd.

Vote for your candidate.  If your candidate, say Royal, were to miss the 2nd round at the expense of Bayrou, vote for Bayrou as the lesser evil in that case.  Until that occurs there is no discussion.  It is a pathetic attempt to undermine Royal yet again.  Meanwhile her poll numbers are surging indicating a strong finish going into the ACTUAL election.  

Frankly with Sarkozy's constant pandering to the racist right it seems clear that he and Le Pen are fighting over the same voters.  Those voters are not known to be a huge group, either.  

Lastly, did I understand correctly that Le Pen said he would appoint Sarkozy as Minster of Racaille's?  If so, that's hilarious.  Le Pen is if nothing else an entertaining nutter.  He reminds me greatly of Pat Buchanan.