New US attorney general promises ‘no favouritism’

ERIC HOLDER, sworn in yesterday as attorney general, promised a clean break with the past policies of the Bush administration, saying the justice department will be “no place for political favouritism”.

“I am determined to ensure that this shall be a new day for the dedicated career professionals that I am so honoured to call my colleagues,” Holder told various employees and dignitaries gathered for the ceremony. He said he was committed to remaking the department “into what it once was and what is always should be”.

Vice President Joe Biden administered the oath to President Barack Obama’s pick for the nation’s top law enforcement officer, the first African-American to hold the post.