Sarkozy reveals his secret weapon

Paris: Nicolas Sarkozy is deploying a secret weapon in his battle to defeat Segolene Royal in the French presidential race: his once-estranged wife.

As the ambitious interior minister celebrates his coronation as the ruling centre-right party's presidential candidate, it has emerged that Cecilia Sarkozy is adding a woman's touch to his campaign.

With 100 days to go until the first round of voting, she is advising him on the delicate question of how to confront, and score points against, his female socialist rival without appearing too macho and thus alienating women voters.

Although not part of Sarkozy's official election team, Mrs Sarkozy, who was reunited with her husband a year ago after leaving him for another man, is said to be "a constant force in the background".

Opinion polls put the candidates neck and neck. Faced with the likelihood of a "Sego" against "Sarko" run-off in the second round of voting in May, her influence is seen as vital.

"Cecilia has known how he works for the past 20 years. She reassures him and not only advises him on communication matters but on fundamental questions," said Roger Karoutchi, a French member of the Senate, the upper house of parliament and a Sarkozy supporter.

"Together they watch Mrs Royal's television appearances closely to see how she behaves. Cecilia often tells him to take care when debating with a woman because it's not so easy to make this or that remark."

For the first time, French voters are being given the chance to elect a female president. Aware of the political novelty value represented by Royal, a chic and glamorous mother of four, Sarkozy knows the women's vote will be crucial.

Sarkozy believes political debates should have the aggression of a boxing ring. His friend and junior government colleague Bruce Hortefeux, 48, said Mr Sarkozy - who can be quick tempered - might struggle to strike the right balance between being firm and appearing downright rude.

"In politics, Nicolas doesn't like the idea of confronting a woman," he said.

Denis Muzet, the director of l'Institut Mediascopie, which studies the impact of communications, said Sarkozy might try to play on the "fragility" of having a woman leader.

"This will be extremely difficult and delicate to do, however. The slightest suggestion of aggression is likely to turn against him. The French prefer a respectful, calm debate.