This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/6586419.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| French opponents seek new support | French opponents seek new support |
| (about 9 hours later) | |
| Both contenders in France's presidential race have begun intense campaigning ahead of the 6 May run-off. | Both contenders in France's presidential race have begun intense campaigning ahead of the 6 May run-off. |
| Correspondents say the key to victory could be gaining votes from supporters of centrist Francois Bayrou, eliminated from the race in Sunday's first round. | Correspondents say the key to victory could be gaining votes from supporters of centrist Francois Bayrou, eliminated from the race in Sunday's first round. |
| Socialist candidate Segolene Royal called for a dialogue with Mr Bayrou, who polled one in five ballots. | Socialist candidate Segolene Royal called for a dialogue with Mr Bayrou, who polled one in five ballots. |
| The centre-right frontrunner, Nicolas Sarkozy, ruled out cutting a deal that would compromise his political beliefs. | The centre-right frontrunner, Nicolas Sarkozy, ruled out cutting a deal that would compromise his political beliefs. |
| Speaking at a rally in Dijon, eastern France, Mr Sarkozy told thousands of cheering supporters: "I will not cut a deal at the expense of my convictions." | Speaking at a rally in Dijon, eastern France, Mr Sarkozy told thousands of cheering supporters: "I will not cut a deal at the expense of my convictions." |
| NEXT STAGE OF ELECTION 27 April: Campaigning restarts2 May: Televised debate6 May: Second round poll10 May: Final official results href="/1/hi/talking_point/6585931.stm">French voters' views class="" href="/1/hi/world/europe/6378341.stm">Q&A: French election In depth: France decides | |
| Instead he urged voters to support his "new French dream" of a fairer, more dynamic country that he said would make the national motto of fraternity a reality. | Instead he urged voters to support his "new French dream" of a fairer, more dynamic country that he said would make the national motto of fraternity a reality. |
| Mr Sarkozy spoke of respect for hard work, national identity and pride, and integration. | Mr Sarkozy spoke of respect for hard work, national identity and pride, and integration. |
| The BBC's Alasdair Sandford says it was a clear attempt to dispel his image of a hardline right-winger who divides France and portray instead a presidential contender who can unite the country. | The BBC's Alasdair Sandford says it was a clear attempt to dispel his image of a hardline right-winger who divides France and portray instead a presidential contender who can unite the country. |
| Public dialogue | Public dialogue |
| There was no direct mention of his Socialist rival, Segolene Royal, who was holding a rally in the southern city of Valence. | There was no direct mention of his Socialist rival, Segolene Royal, who was holding a rally in the southern city of Valence. |
| First round stirs passions Press hails high turnout | First round stirs passions Press hails high turnout |
| Ms Royal, who had previously dismissed calls for an alliance with Mr Bayrou, said she was available for a public dialogue. | Ms Royal, who had previously dismissed calls for an alliance with Mr Bayrou, said she was available for a public dialogue. |
| "It is my responsibility to make this overture. I'm awaiting a response," she told her supporters. | "It is my responsibility to make this overture. I'm awaiting a response," she told her supporters. |
| Mr Bayrou is expected to make a statement on Wednesday, in which he may reveal if he will make an endorsement. | Mr Bayrou is expected to make a statement on Wednesday, in which he may reveal if he will make an endorsement. |
| Mr Sarkozy won 31% of Sunday's vote, while Ms Royal, bidding to be France's first female leader, took nearly 26% - beating 10 other candidates. | Mr Sarkozy won 31% of Sunday's vote, while Ms Royal, bidding to be France's first female leader, took nearly 26% - beating 10 other candidates. |
| Opinion polls after the result showed Mr Sarkozy would win the run-off. But a combative Ms Royal insisted on Monday the race was not over, saying: "It's do-able." | Opinion polls after the result showed Mr Sarkozy would win the run-off. But a combative Ms Royal insisted on Monday the race was not over, saying: "It's do-able." |
| Opinion polls gave Mr Sarkozy between 52 and 54% of the vote - against 46 and 48% for Ms Royal. Only 14% were uncertain of who they wanted to cast their ballot for. | Opinion polls gave Mr Sarkozy between 52 and 54% of the vote - against 46 and 48% for Ms Royal. Only 14% were uncertain of who they wanted to cast their ballot for. |