Hollande's bid for privacy

French President Francois Hollande faces the press under pressure.

While his address in large part focused on mending the economy -- it's a suspected affair with an actress that's grabbing the headlines.

His official partner Valerie Trierweiler has been in hospital since last Friday after a celebrity magazine published photos of what it said was Hollande in a motorcycle helmet visiting an actress after hours.

With Hollande due to visit President Barack Obama at the White House next month -- he was asked who will be the First Lady of France on that trip.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) FRENCH PRESIDENT FRANCOIS HOLLANDE SAYING:

"I understand your question and I am sure you will understand my response. Everyone in their personal life can face trials. That's our case. These are painful moments. But I have one principle, and that is that personal affairs should be treated privately, respecting each person's intimacy. So this is neither the place nor the moment to (discus