France will defend its candidate for head of the European Central Bank (ECB), Mr Jean-Claude Trichet, and hopes a European summit on May 2nd will find a solution in the contest for the job, the President, Mr Jacques Chirac, said yesterday.

"I hope there will be a decision, not before, but in time for May 2nd, it's not obligatory but it would be psychologically preferable," Mr Chirac said.

"As you know France has a candidate, Mr Trichet...and France will defend its candidate," he said. "I am convinced the merits of our candidate will be taken into account and that a suitable solution will be found," he said.