Leading cryptic clue?

[Denis]

First French leader (7) 2 e's

 

[mmm4444bot]

First French leader (7) 2 e's

Thought I had it, but need plural direct (or 1 'e'). Back to the drawin' board …

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First French leaders (7) 2 e's

Answer = FOREMEN

First = FORE

French = MEN

leaders = direct

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[Dr.Peterson]

First French leader (7) 2 e's

"First" in French is "premier", right?

 

[mmm4444bot]

Oh, that's good. I need to spend more time in Canada, eh.

 

[Denis]

Yaggotit Doc!!