Obama wins Blackberry battle

The President of the United States has apparently won the battle to keep hold of his Blackberry.

In the run up to his inauguration it was assumed that Mr Obama would relinquish his beloved handheld device, amid the fear of leaks and privacy concerns.

But it was announced today that the Blackberry would stay, be it a new one with beefed-up security.

Nicknamed a “crackberry” because of its addictive qualities, the device was a constant companion to Mr Obama during his election campaign.

The 47-year-old previously indicated that security staff would have to prise it out of his hands, if they wanted him to give up his Blackberry.

But it looked like Mr Obama would have to be parted from his Blackberry. Part of the problem was the belief that Congress and law courts would be able to command that the President’s emails be used as evidence or be opened to the public for posterity when he leaves office.

His predecessors George W Bush and Bill Clinton reportedly did not email while they were in office.

President Bush gave up communicating by email on advice from his lawyers.

But the incumbent has decided to continue his Blackberry use in spite of these concerns.

New White House press secretary Robert Gibbs confirmed today: “The President has a Blackberry” to “allow him to stay in touch with senior staff and a small group of personal friends”.

But Mr Gibbs added that its use would be “limited” and its security “enhanced”.