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World News: Bruni: 'I Had To Marry Sarkozy In A Hurry'

French first lady Carla Bruni has told Sky News that she had to marry Nicolas Sarkozy quickly to appease public opinion in the country.

She married the president three months after meeting him, but said it "wasn't possible" to be with him without getting married.

Ms Bruni told Sky News' Anna Botting in an exclusive interview: "It was unbearable for public opinion, which I do understand.

"It wasn't about 'hey, let's date', we had to do it fast to calm the people down."

Now the rumours centre on infidelity, with allegations that both president Sarkozy and his wife are having affairs.

But Ms Bruni was adamant that her husband has never been unfaithful.

"He would never have an affair," she said. "And have you ever seen a picture of him having an affair?"

She also rubbished claims that she is interfering in French politics and trying to influence her husband's decisions.

"I'm not interested in politics," Ms Bruni said, "and also I don't know anything about it.

"So between ignorance and boredom, I really don't get into it."

She added: "It's a job. It's not something you improvise."

The first lady said the couple rarely stay at the Elysee Palace, preferring the tranquillity of their own private residence.

"Sometimes on Sundays, if we have the children, or when we have an official dinner, then we will do it there.

"People like to be there, they are honoured to be there, and it's beautiful, it's a palace."

Ms Bruni added: "People like to be invited to the palace, it's better than me cooking spaghetti here."