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French opponents seek new support Rivals woo France's 'kingmaker'
(about 5 hours later)
Both contenders in France's presidential race have begun intense campaigning ahead of the 6 May run-off. The two rivals in France's presidential race have been trying to woo supporters of centrist candidate Francois Bayrou, who came third on Sunday.
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. The Socialist candidate, Segolene Royal, made a direct appeal to him to form an alliance. "I'm waiting for a response," she said.
Socialist candidate Segolene Royal called for a dialogue with Mr Bayrou, who polled one in five ballots. Nicolas Sarkozy's team accused her of putting power before principles.
The centre-right frontrunner, Nicolas Sarkozy, ruled out cutting a deal that would compromise his political beliefs. Mr Sarkozy of the centre-right UMP is favourite to win the run-off. His aides want a deal with Mr Bayrou's MPs.
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." Ms Royal will face Mr Sarkozy in the run-off on 6 May and opinion polls point to a victory for Mr Sarkozy.
Political manoeuvring
Ms Royal said she was "not exerting any pressure" on Mr Bayrou "or setting him any ultimatum".
The votes of Mr Bayrou's supporters are likely to prove decisiveBut she added: "I think it is my responsibility as a presidential election candidate to work out which ideas we can agree on".
Nearly seven million voters backed Mr Bayrou, leader of the UDF, in the first round.
He will give an eagerly awaited news conference at 1530 (1330 GMT) on Wednesday, but allies say he is unlikely to back either candidate openly. He is seen as a potential "kingmaker" who could make or break the election for either side.
The UDF has joined conservative governments in the past and some of Mr Sarkozy's aides are exploring a possible deal again for the forthcoming parliamentary elections in June.
But in the run-up to the first round Mr Bayrou stressed his desire for a third way in French politics, to jettison the traditional left-right split.
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 decidesNEXT 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
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. For his part, Mr Sarkozy told supporters in Dijon, eastern France: "I will not cut a deal at the expense of my convictions."
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.
Public dialogue
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
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.
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 gave Mr Sarkozy between 52 and 54% of the vote in the second round - 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. They will confront each other in a televised debate on 2 May.