President Bush gives farewell address

US President George Bush today delivered a farewell address to the nation in which he paid tribute to his successor as a man whose story reflects “the enduring promise” of America.

The outgoing head of state said the inauguration of Barack Obama – who will become the US’s first black president – would be “a moment of hope and pride” for the nation.

Turning to his own tenure he acknowledged that there had been setbacks, stating: “There have been good days and tough”.

But in a 15-minute speech delivered from the White House, he added that the role had been “a privilege of a lifetime”.