Bush back to work after celebrations

US PRESIDENT George W Bush yesterday set forth on an ambitious second-term agenda after wrapping up his inauguration.

Four days of inaugural celebrations culminated with a National Prayer Service yesterday, following a tradition set by the nation’s first leader, George Washington.

The hour-long service brought together 3,200 invited guests, including family and cabinet members, top White House aides and others in the majestic Gothic-style sanctuary of the National Cathedral.

The service gave Mr Bush a chance to reflect ahead of a challenging term. He has the lowest approval rating of a second-term president for more than 50 years.

Mr Bush’s list of most-pressing duties include naming someone to the powerful new post of director of national intelligence, watching the January 30 elections in Iraq and mending still-frayed relations with Europe during his first overseas trip of his second term. “I’m looking forward to putting my heart and soul into this job for four more years,” he told congressional leaders at a post-inauguration luncheon.