http://www.telegraph.co.uk/graphics/01/1/22/wbush22.jpeg

GEORGE W BUSH marked his first full day as President with an ecumenical church service yesterday, as his staff moved into the White House and pledged to observe a new "integrity" code designed to symbolise the end of the Clinton years.

Franklin Graham, son of the Rev Billy Graham, who helped Mr Bush to become a born-again Christian, told the new President that he had "the opportunity to once again ignite the soul of America". Mr Graham said that despite America's economic success there remained a "sense of hopelessness" and said Mr Bush would have to deal with "great social, political and spiritual problems".

A cardinal, a rabbi, a Greek Orthodox priest and Protestant ministers all prayed for Mr Bush at the service in Washington National Cathedral. Mr Bush's first acts in office were to issue the new White House code of conduct and declare yesterday a "National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving" for Americans to pray for leaders at every level of government.

Tony Blair is expected to be among the first foreign leaders to meet Mr Bush. Last week Jonathan Powell, the Prime Minister's chief of staff, and John Sawyers, his private secretary, were in Washington hoping to establish Downing Street's ties with the new administration.

Among the visitors to see them at the British Embassy were General Colin Powell, Mr Bush's Secretary of State, and Condoleezza Rice, the National Security Adviser, who has called on Sir Christopher Meyer, the British ambassador, several times in recent weeks.

Mr Blair is understood to be keen to build a rapport with Mr Bush and prevent any "chill factor" as a result of his close relationship with Mr Clinton and the strong links between New Labour and the Democrats. An embassy spokesman said that although no date had been fixed for Mr Blair's visit, it could take place as early as the third week of February. Among key issues to be discussed would be the American National Missile Defence programme and the European defence force.

The Oval Office was transformed within minutes of Mr Bush taking the oath of office. Although Mr Bush kept Bill Clinton's desk [an 1880 gift from Queen Victoria to President Rutherford Hayes] his royal blue rug was replaced by President Ronald Reagan's ivory, beige and terracotta carpet.

In came autographed baseballs, Texas mementoes and photographs of Mr Bush's parents, his wife, Laura, and twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna. Out went Mr Clinton's gold curtains and silk sofas in preference for more sober and traditional furnishings. The Bush administration immediately signalled that punctuality would be one of its watchwords. Whereas Mr Clinton was habitually late for almost every occasion, Mr Bush has declared: "Late is rude."

Mr and Mrs Bush were back at the White House at 11.38pm on Saturday after attending eight inauguration events. This was an almost unprecedented hour and eight minutes ahead of schedule. At the last ball they attended, Mr Bush said: "I'm proud to report I think we've accumulated more than 10 minutes of dancing. So to help you all celebrate, we're going to dance and then I'm going to bed."

There was a broad welcome for Mr Bush's inauguration speech from his political friends and foes alike. He said: "Today we affirm a new commitment to live out our nation's promise through civility, courage, compassion and character."

He praised his opponent, Al Gore, for "a contest conducted with spirit and ended with grace" but references to "personal responsibility" and a "call to conscience" were seen as veiled criticisms of Mr Clinton. The new White House code of conduct called for the "highest standards of integrity in government" and began: "Public service is a public trust, requiring employees to place loyalty to the constitution, the laws and ethical principles above private gain."

Crowds in Washington for the inauguration were sharply divided between those protesting against Mr Bush as an "illegitimate" President because of the controversy over the Florida vote and those hailing a new morality in the country. The cheers that rose when Mr Clinton's helicopter left the Capitol for Andrews Air Force base were as loud as the jeers for Mr Bush when his motorcade passed protesters on Pennsylvania Avenue. Born-again Bush ushers in era of integrity

-- Ain't Gonna Happen (Not Here Not@ever.com), January 22, 2001

Answers

-- Ain't Gonna Happen (Not Here Not@ever.com), January 22, 2001.

"The Oval Office was transformed within minutes of Mr Bush taking the oath of office."

Translation: The Oval Office was redecorated within minutes of Mr Bush taking the oath of office.

"There was a broad welcome for Mr Bush's inauguration speech from his political friends and foes alike.""

Translation: I asked five politicians for comments and no one said anything nasty I could quote, so I gave up and wrote this mush.

-- Translator (media_gushes_@nd_I.translate), January 22, 2001.

Didn't Clinton start his presidency the same way?

-- Tarzan the Ape Man (tarzan@swingingthroughthejunglewithouta.net), January 22, 2001.

Let's just see what happens my child.

-- Father Carlos (riffraff@cybertime.net), January 23, 2001.

Another wonderful photo from the "Christian" Inaugur-auction for Ain't to get gooey over ...

-- Coup 2K (thanks@pubs!.com), January 23, 2001.