Pro-treaty lobby keeps eye on French presidential election

While the final battle for the French presidency is fought over the next two weeks, the outcome will be closely watched by those advocating a yes vote in the forthcoming referendum on the EU treaty.

If successful on May 6, as appears likely, the socialist candidate, François Hollande, is expected to seek changes to the fiscal compact treaty at a time when the Irish debate on whether to ratify it is in full swing.

It is still not clear how Hollande will approach the treaty as he has not given specifics other than that he will demand some emphasis on economic growth in the new rulebook.