US security supremo elect backs away from post

Former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik, President George Bush’s choice to be homeland security secretary, has withdrawn his name from consideration, the White House has announced.

Presidential press secretary Scott McClellan, in a conference call to news organisations, revealed that Kerik had withdrawn “for personal reasons”.

“The president respects his decision and wishes the commissioner and his wife, Hala, well,” McClellan said in a statement.

“Commissioner Kerik is withdrawing his name from director of homeland security,” the spokesman said. “He informed the White House this evening that he was withdrawing for personal reasons from consideration to be secretary of homeland security.”

McClellan said that Kerik telephoned the president. Kerik also sent a letter to the White House in which he announced his wishes.

McClellan said the White House “will move as quickly as we can to name someone else to fill this nomination”.