Bush vows to rally US to ‘great causes’

US President George W Bush, confronting an ailing economy and the prospect of war in Iraq, declared he would “rally the American people to some great causes” in last night’s State of the Union address.

Hours before the speech to Congress and a global television audience, Mr Bush said: "Tonight I will talk about the great challenges that face our country. I have no doubt we will be able to handle those challenges because we are a great country."

Mr Bush did not mention Iraq only his "deep desire for peace" at home and in the world's trouble spots. He said his address would lay out a vision for improving health care, improving the economy and helping Americans help each other.