Sarkozy gaining on Hollande

In France, a new poll suggests president Nicolas Sarkozy is gaining on front runner Francois Hollande, shaving the socialist's lead to just four percentage points.

Sarkozy said he's prepared to quit politics if he doesn't win on Sunday.

SOUNDBITE: President Nicolas Sarkozy saying (French):

"If the French make another choice, I have said it: at that moment, things will be over. It's normal. That's my view of engagement."

His chances of picking up support from centrist and far right voters seemed unlikely. National Front candidate Marine Le Pen said she would sooner cast a blank ballot than endorse Sarkozy. Centrist candidate Francois Bayrou went a step further and threw his support behind Hollande.

On his last full day of campaigning, Hollande acknowledged his narrowing lead.

SOUNDBITE: Socialist Candidate Francois Hollande saying (French):

"I have never underestimated Nicolas Sarkozy. I have contested his policies, his choices and how he does things. But I know his energy. I know the strength of his convictions and his talent in debates. But where he made a mistake was to underestimate me."

If he wins on Sunday, Hollande will become France's first Socialist head of state since Francois Mitterrand left office in 1995.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.