Bush sends out bipartisan message

Bush cabinet meetings involving all 15 secretaries are rare

US President George W Bush has called for joint efforts at home and abroad to achieve his second term goals and win the war on terror.

In his weekly radio message, broadcast on stations across the US on Saturday, Mr Bush said he would "reach out" to allies and sceptics at home and abroad.

He stressed the continuing importance of the war on terror and the struggle against disease and hunger and poverty.

On domestic issues he pledged tax reforms and a clampdown on lawsuits.

With more than two months until the official start of his second term at the presidential inauguration on 20 January, Mr Bush used his message to address Republicans and Democrats.

We have one country, one constitution, and one future that binds us. And when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America. US President George W Bush

He steered clear of triumphalism, saying that supporters of both parties could agree a common approach to the war on terror.

"Americans are expecting bipartisan effort and results," the president said.

"Whatever our past disagreements, we share a common enemy and common duties."

"Every civilised country has a stake in the outcome of this war," Mr Bush added, insisting he would "continue reaching out" to Nato and European nations whose relations with the US have been strained by the war in Iraq.

'Shared responsibilities'

On the home front, Mr Bush described the challenge of the coming four years in reserved tones, speaking of "serious responsibilities and historic opportunities".

On domestic policy there were no hints of any plans to use a second term to adopt a more conservative social agenda.

Instead Mr Bush repeated the message of his victory speech on Wednesday: "To make this nation stronger and better, I will need the support of Republicans and Democrats and independents, and I will work to earn it."

Mr Bush focused on what he termed "frivolous" lawsuits and an "outdated" tax code - two issues he repeatedly stressed while on the campaign trail.

KEY DATES Before 13 December: States compile lists of delegates to Electoral College 7 December: Deadline for states to resolve any problems over election results 13 December: Electors meet in each state to vote for president and vice-president, sending sealed results to Washington 3 January 2005: New Congress sworn in 6 January 2005: Congress meets to count and announce Electoral College vote 20 January: Presidential inauguration

Lawsuits brought against doctors, Mr Bush said, are "driving up the cost of health care and hurting doctors and patients".

Despite presiding over radical tax cuts during his first term, Mr Bush described the US tax regime as "complicated and outdated" and in need of urgent reform to re-invigorate the country's economy.

Education and social security systems are also in need of updating, the president said.

Despite enjoying stronger Republican support in Congress after the election, Mr Bush said he would work with both parties to meet a shared responsibility.