Traveling to Portugal on a French Schengen Visa?

[rusty]

Hi All,

I have a general inquiry regarding a schengen visa application. I want to travel to Portugal, but getting a Schengen visa through them is a very complicated long-drawn procedure. My old Schengen issued by the French embassy in London is about to expire I need a new one. I am contemplating getting it from the French embassy again because of the convenience factor (6-month, multiple entries). However, I do not plan on traveling to France. Portugal will be my first destination. Do I have to visit France at some point during the validity of my visa? What are the consequences if I don’t? FYI, I am an Indian National living in London with a work permit valid until 2012.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Cheers,
Rusty
FYI, I can get a flight ticket invitation letter for France can refund the flight ticket after I get the visa.