Chirac's Poll Ratings Down After TV Call on EU Constitution Vote

A new poll says public confidence in French President Jacques Chirac has fallen to its lowest level since his re-election in 2002.

The survey published Wednesday by the CSA polling institute shows 44 percent of those questioned had confidence in the French president while 52 percent did not.

A previous poll the month before found 50 percent having confidence in Mr. Chirac and 44 percent not.

Between the two surveys Mr. Chirac appeared on French television to promote a "yes" vote in the May 29 referendum on the proposed European Union Constitution. Many commentators were critical of his performance.

Some information for this story provided by AFP.