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| French rivals watch 'kingmaker' | French rivals watch 'kingmaker' |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| France's two presidential candidates are anxiously waiting to see whether defeated centrist Francois Bayrou will announce his backing of either rival. | France's two presidential candidates are anxiously waiting to see whether defeated centrist Francois Bayrou will announce his backing of either rival. |
| Mr Bayrou, who came third in Sunday's first round, holds a news conference in Paris at 1530 (1330 GMT). | |
| Nicolas Sarkozy, who took 31.2% of the vote, and Segolene Royal - 25.9% - may put members of Mr Bayrou's party in government, if they are elected. | Nicolas Sarkozy, who took 31.2% of the vote, and Segolene Royal - 25.9% - may put members of Mr Bayrou's party in government, if they are elected. |
| Until now, Mr Bayrou has not committed to endorsing either candidate. | Until now, Mr Bayrou has not committed to endorsing either candidate. |
| 'Political haggling' | 'Political haggling' |
| Socialist candidate Segolene Royal, who had dismissed an alliance with Mr Bayrou ahead of Sunday's vote, seemed to be softening her stance ahead of the news conference. | Socialist candidate Segolene Royal, who had dismissed an alliance with Mr Bayrou ahead of Sunday's vote, seemed to be softening her stance ahead of the news conference. |
| Ms Royal has appealed to Mr Bayrou for a public dialogue about policies that they might share. | Ms Royal has appealed to Mr Bayrou for a public dialogue about policies that they might share. |
| NEXT STAGE OF ELECTION 27 April: Campaigning restarts2 May: Televised debate6 May: Second round poll10 May: Final official results French voters' views Q&A: French election In depth: France decides | NEXT STAGE OF ELECTION 27 April: Campaigning restarts2 May: Televised debate6 May: Second round poll10 May: Final official results French voters' views Q&A: French election In depth: France decides |
| "If Francois Bayrou responds favourably to the offer of a public dialogue, the meeting will take place," said Ms Royal's campaign director, Francois Rebsamen. | "If Francois Bayrou responds favourably to the offer of a public dialogue, the meeting will take place," said Ms Royal's campaign director, Francois Rebsamen. |
| In an interview with the Le Monde newspaper, Mr Sarkozy said his government would include a group representing ideas of the centre on issues such as Europe, social reform and the institutions of the Republic. | In an interview with the Le Monde newspaper, Mr Sarkozy said his government would include a group representing ideas of the centre on issues such as Europe, social reform and the institutions of the Republic. |
| But, with a comfortable lead in the first round of the election, he has less need of a swing and he said he was not interested in backroom deals. | But, with a comfortable lead in the first round of the election, he has less need of a swing and he said he was not interested in backroom deals. |