The former chancellor also had advice for the current occupant of No 11 Downing Street, urging him to drop his secondary role as the Conservatives' chief political and election strategist.

BBC: David Cameron 'should learn from Thatcher not Blair'

"We won't let our heads drop - France will still play a key role in this World Cup, " said Laporte.

BBC: Laporte defiant after shock loss

The drop was caused in large part by her role in the ImClone Systems (nasdaq: IMCL - news - people ) scandal.

FORBES: Magazine Article

November's weakness was driven by a significant drop in demand for commercial aircraft, though weakness in autos, steel and defense communications equipment also played a role.

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