French President Francois Hollande is facing a political mine field today when he will have to pick his way around allegations about his private life while preserving his credibility.<br /><br />Media reports of an affair which have seemingly driven the French first lady Valerie Trierweiler to hospital are set to overshadow the traditional start-of-the-year presidential news conference.<br /><br />He could use his grilling by the press to clarify the allegations of a liaison with actress Julie Gayot or stick to his outrage over the invasion of his privacy.<br /><br />For some voters it is not the tittle tattle which concerns them it is the worry that Hollande is being distracted from his job. <br /><br />The press conference is supposed to be an opportunity for the president to reveal new policies and point the way forward for a more prosperous France.<br /><br />Instead the programme to be broadcast LIVE on euronews is likely to be the most anticipated public appearance of his 20-month old presidency.<br /><br />The interview is scheduled for 16.30 CET.
