Aides to the president said he would answer the allegations in a televised interview on Saturday - France's annual Bastille Day.

BBC: Sleaze questions for Chirac's daughter

Questions may equally be asked of France's trio of star television anchors, who - just hours after the shooting - interviewed President Chirac, as tradition dictates on Bastille Day.

BBC: French President Jacques Chirac

One unnamed Chirac advisor is quoted in today's Le Parisien newspaper as wondering whether - in future - it might be an idea for the president to carry out his Bastille Day troop inspection in a type of Pope-mobile, or protected car.

BBC: French President Jacques Chirac