Veteran French President Jacques Chirac was set to give a TV speech in which he was widely expected to rule out seeking a third term in office in April's poll.

Mr. Chirac, who has been president since 1995, was to give a televised address to the nation at 2000 (1900 GMT).

The first round of presidential polling takes place on 22 April and nominations close on 16 March.

Chirac has been keeping his options open, but has hinted in recent days that he is planning for life after politics.

Analysts say his opinion ratings are low and he is unlikely to stand again at the age of 74.

Current presidential front-runner Nicolas Sarkozy, who has won backing from the governing centre-right UMP party, said he hoped to receive Chirac's endorsement.

Sarkozy tops the opinion polls in a tight race with the two other leading candidates, socialist Segolene Royal and centrist Francois Bayrou.