Police in France say the man arrested for trying to assassinate President Jacques Chirac had a police record linking him to extreme right wing and anti-immigrant groups.
They say Maxime Brunerie ran as a local council candidate for the anti-foreigner National Republican Movement.
He was arrested after firing a rifle near Mr Chirac during yesterday's Bastille Day celebrations.
Officials believe that Maxime Brunerie, who was arrested after firing a shot from a hunting rifle close to Mr Chirac during the Bastille Day parade in Paris, was acting alone.
It is understood the inquiry will examine how such a serious security lapse could have happened.
Mr Brunerie was overpowered by bystanders after letting off a shot at the president's jeep near the Arc de Triomphe. He is described as being emotionally disturbed and having known neo-Nazi links. He is being held for psychiatric tests.
