Most Americans believe Bush is dishonest, new poll reveals

MOST Americans say they aren’t impressed by the ethics and honesty of the Bush administration, already under scrutiny for its justifications for an unpopular war in Iraq and its role in the leak of a covert CIA officer’s identity.

Almost six-in-10 - 57% - said they do not think the Bush administration has high ethical standards. The same portion says George Bush is not honest, the AP-Ipsos poll found. Whites, Southerners and evangelicals were most likely to believe Mr Bush is honest.

Mr Bush, who promised in the 2000 campaign to uphold “honour and integrity”, last week ordered White House workers to attend ethics classes.