ALTHOUGH his margin of victory was slender, President Bush's re-election was decisive. Unlike four years ago, he won both the electoral college and the popular votes.

That at least spares the free world the severe handicap of being led by a lame duck President over the next four years.

Galvanised by the support of the American people, it is to be hoped that the second term of his presidency is not as ill-starred as his first.

In Iraq, in the Middle East and in the wider world, there is an urgent need for a fresh approach from the United States. President John Kerry would have brought a fresh approach to this troubled world.

It is a lot to expect President Bush, re-elected with an increased vote on the strength of his record, to change his ways.

Our hope must be that, freed from the shackles of seeing a further term in office, he discovers the confidence and wisdom to change his outlook on the world.

Sadly, it may be a forlorn hope. President Bush has shown no signs of compromise during the election campaign.

And having created a siege mentality among the American people, he will find it difficult to start building bridges with nations which have been critical in the past.

We pray that after eight years in the White House he will be remembered as a President who brought peace and unity to the world.

But that may be too much to ask from a person who, over the past four years, has achieved little more than division and discord.