Bush thanks voters for 'historic victory'

The newly re-elected President of the United States, George W Bush, has said voters had delivered an 'historic victory' in the American presidential election.

In a victory speech in Washington DC, President Bush paid tribute to his Democratic challenger Senator John Kerry. The president said Senator Kerry had waged a 'spirited campaign', and that he and his supporters can be proud of their efforts.

He issued an appeal to Mr Kerry's supporters, and pledged to work to earn their support and trust. 'A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation,' he said, before adding, 'when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America'.

President Bush went on to thank his family, especially his wife Laura, and Vice President Dick Cheney, who he said serves America with wisdom and honour.

In assessing the task ahead, Mr Bush vowed to help what he called the emerging democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan, 'so that they can grow in strength and defend their freedom'.

Mr Bush paid homage to 'good allies on our side', and said that because lots of hard work has been done, 'we are entering a season of hope'.

He concluded with a special word of praise for the people in his home state of Texas, and with the familiar refrain 'God Bless America'.

Earlier today, Senator Kerry phoned President Bush and conceded defeat with the Republican incumbent leading in the key state of Ohio by more than 100,000 votes.

In a speech this evening in Boston, Senator Kerry thanked his campaign workers and said America must begin healing dangerous divisions.

He said that although the election race was close, the outcome should be decided by voters and not a protracted legal process.

'I would not give up this fight if there was a chance that we would prevail,' he said.

He went on to discuss the details of his concession call to President Bush, in which they talked about 'America being in need of unity and longing for a larger measure of compassion'.

'I hope President Bush will advance these values in the coming years,' added the defeated Democratic challenger.

Taoiseach congratulates Bush

The Taoiseach has conveyed his warmest congratulations to the newly re-elected president and has also sent his best wishes for the future to Senator Kerry.

In a statement this evening, Bertie Ahern said he looked forward to working with Mr Bush to ensure that US-Irish connections continue to develop and flourish in the years ahead.

The European Union's Dutch presidency has written to President Bush congratulating him on his re-election and said it hoped for 'productive relations' in his second term.

The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, also welcomed Mr Bush's victory, saying it meant Americans had not allowed themselves to be cowed by terrorists.

Republicans hold Congress

The Republican Party has also retained control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

They won 53 Senate seats, against 44 for Democrats and one independent. Two Senate seats remain too close to call.

Republicans picked up Senate seats in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina and Louisiana, and Democrats picked up seats in Illinois and Colorado.

Republican John Thune defeated South Dakota Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle - the first time in half a century a Senate leader has been voted out of office.

And the GOP retained control of the House of Representatives, with 228 seats to the Democrats' 199, and one independent. Seven remain undecided.

Watch RTÉ coverage of the Polling

Prime Time US Election Special -  03 November 2004
News Special US Election 2004 -  03 November 2004