### Clue: Liveliness with power to be for Sarkozy an explosive component (9)
### Answer: SALTPETRE 
 ### Explanation: Definition: an explosive component
  SALT(an element of *liveliness*,interest,excitement, as in "his wit added salt to the discussion") +(*with*) P(*$$p$$ower*, especially in scientific equations) ETRE(as would be said by French President *Sarkozy* when he means "*to be*"; pardon my French if this isn't right).  Defn:  Potassium nitrate, a powerful oxidant, therefore commonly used as a *component* in *explosive*s.  Also used as a fertiliser, which explains why amateur bombers buy lots of fertiliser.