Bush sworn in

With fireworks and pomp, lavish celebration and some of the tightest security ever seen, George Bush was sworn in today as President of the United States.

Half a million people descended on Washington to witness the ceremony on the steps of the Capitol and the traditional parade of 10,000 band members marching the 1.7-mile route to the White House. Millions more watched on television.

Bush, who begins his second term with the lowest approval rating of any returning president except Richard Nixon, said in his inaugural address, "We have known divisions, which must be healed to move forward in great purposes, and I will strive in good faith to heal them."

Bush also vowed to advance democracy abroad to "break the reign of hatred and resentment" in his address.

He underscored the importance of US allies at a time when many world leaders are concerned about a second Bush presidency and want him to consult more. "All the allies of the United States can know: We honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help," he said.

But there was controversy, even as Bush - with his wife Laura and daughters Barbara and Jenna - began doing the rounds of dinners and parties that are as much the focus of the threeday celebration as the actual swearing-in. With a price tag of £25million for the festivities the inauguration is the most expensive ever held.

Some critics are questioning whether it is appropriate to mount such a lavish celebration as US troops are dying in Iraq, and Asia is recovering from the tsunami which claimed 220,000 lives.

Few Americans would think to criticise an inauguration, but a poll in the Washington Post found that a majority would prefer a smaller, more subdued event.

Most of the cost has been met by corporate America, with business leaders rewarded for their generosity with the chance to rub shoulders with the President at a series of nine balls he will attend.

One of the most treasured tickets was for the Texas State Society Black Tie & Boots Ball, where revellers enjoyed entertainment, including singer Lyle Lovett, while eating their way through 21,000 enchiladas, 20,000 quesadillas and 3,000lb of beef. A candlelit dinner with Mr Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney last night was reserved for those who gave at least ?50,000 to the President's re-election campaign. Major contributors include the oil giants Exxon-Mobil and Occidental Petroleum, along with Time Warner, Ford and Dell Computers. All gave the maximum ?130,000 allowed by US election law.

As the celebrations began, Mr Bush already had his answer for the doubters. Much of the inauguration has a military focus, and at a free concert he paid tribute to the nation's military men and women, saying: "As we prepare to celebrate our nation's 55th presidential inauguration, I can think of no better way to begin than by giving thanks for our freedom and those who make it possible."

The tightest security ever seen at an inauguration saw a ring of steel thrown around Washington. It included Stinger anti-aircraft missiles mounted on Humvees and F-16 combat fighter jets on patrol overhead.

Fears of a terrorist attack have led the US Secret Service to seal off most of the city's centre for the event, with one intelligence report saying al Qaeda has studied using limousines as car bombs. Security chiefs hoped frosty weather and the possibility of snow would reduce the number of spectators, including thousands planning to hold up proceedings with huge demonstrations.

At his swearing-in Mr Bush is due to set out his agenda for the next four years. He will focus on what he believes is America's duty to help spread democracy around the world.

The President has already made it clear that he sees his election victory as an endorsement of his policies in Iraq.