Back to high life for former IMF boss

DOMINIQUE Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, celebrated the lifting of strict bail conditions imposed on him over attempted rape allegations by enjoying a $600 meal at one of New York's top restaurants.

Strauss-Kahn had dinner with his wife Anne Sinclair and two friends at Scalinatella, an Italian restaurant in the Upper-East Side, where they feasted on pasta and black truffles.

The 62-year-old, who was tipped to challenge Nicolas Sarkozy in France's presidential race next year, was celebrating his bail conditions being dropped after it emerged that the maid who accused him of attempting to rape her in his New York hotel room had lied about a previous rape claim.

It is widely thought that the case is set to collapse.

The form IMF chief had been under house arrest at a townhouse in New York since his arrest on 14 May.

However, Strauss-Kahn was freed on Friday after prosecutors said the 32-year-old maid had lied to a grand jury.

According to Silvia Grottola, a Canadian who was inside the restaurant during their dinner, Strauss-Kahn and his wife were recognised and welcomed by a couple who dined at a table nearby.

"I saw him in the news," said Grottola. "He looks like he is in a very good mood, having a very good dinner. The wife is having a good time. The smile on her face was enough for me."

Strauss-Kahn, his wife, and the two guests, lef through the back door, but without trying to hide from waiting photographers, and smiled.

Supporters of Strauss-Kahn say he could make a dramatic return to French politics.

"If he is released, as I wish he will be, Dominique will no doubt play a major political role," predicted former Socialist former culture minister Jack Lang. "Whatever his role, his presence will be an asset for the presidential election."