article_snippet: her anti-EU party was predicted to make massive gains, but early exit polls put Sarkozy conservatives out in front.
article_snippet: By 8pm, an hour after the last vote was cast, Ipsos put an alliance between Sarkozy UMP and the centrist UDI on 33 per cent, while the National Front (FN) was on 23.5 per cent, along with the ruling Socialists on the same figure.
article_snippet: To those who voted National Front, we understand your frustrations,' Sarkozy told supporters at party headquarters. '
article_snippet: Sarkozy delivers a speech after his party and FN came first in the local body elections . '
article_snippet: his vote in the elections for local councils across France also seemed to have collapsed in today's poll, with the environmentalists receiving just two per cent of the national poll, according to the Ipsos poll.
article_snippet: Mr Sarkozy had a single term as president, between 2007 and 2012, but was defeated by Mr Hollande's Socialist Party.
highlights_snippet: Sarkozy's conservatives made gains in today's French local elections .
  
highlights_snippet: Exit polls show the Elysee' anti-EU party came second with 23.5 percent of vote .
  
highlights_snippet: Hollande's deeply unpopular Socialists came joint second on same figures .
  