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 has returned home to a mixed welcome in France – for the first time since attempted rape accusations by a New York hotel maid unleashed an international scandal that dashed his chances of the French presidency.

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.