DOMINIQUE STRAUSS-KAHN, his presidential hopes shattered by a sex assault scandal that rocked his homeland, returned to France to a frosty public reception and unease among his political allies.

Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s allies are hoping that new doubts about the New York chambermaid who accused of him of sexual assault can help revive his French presidential bid.

Allegations of sexual assault in a New York hotel have torn France’s presidential race asunder and savaged the reputation of the suave and self-assured Dominique Strauss-Kahn.