GEORGE W Bush's first words following Tuesday's attack - about "finding the folks responsible" - were not promising, but his speechwriters soon took over.

Ever since, the President - and those around him - has sounded calmly in control. He has not succumbed to kneejerk reaction when the temptation must have been great, and his diplomats are doing a sterling job in building an international consensus - yesterday's support induced from Pakistan was a major step forward.

He has deserved the full support of Britain that Tony Blair has given him. Today, we imagine, all of this country will want to reiterate that support by observing the three minutes' silence. As well as being a mark of respect to the people who died in New York and Washington, it gives us a moment to reflect on the sheer enormity (five thousand dead) and horror (those people jumping from 80 floors to escape the flames) that Tuesday visited on other human beings.

And it gives us as individuals the easy chance to show that we, too, are part of the international community which condemns such actions and supports President Bush in his attempts to eradicate it.

It is the stories of the ordinary people who worked in the World Trade Centre and who were caught aboard the hijacked aeroplanes that have captured the hearts of the people of Britain. It is the immense bravery of the fire crews who sacrificed their lives in an heroic attempt to help other people who have earned our admiration.

Mr Bush has visited the Pentagon - the seat of US military might which is controlled by establishment figures. But he has only spoken by phone to New York.

Every life that was lost at the Pentagon was as valuable as every life in New York.

Mr Bush really should have visited New York to show support for the ordinary people and, in particular, for the incredible work of the fire crews and rescuers. Margaret Thatcher certainly would have paid her respects and we are sure Tony Blair would have been keen to be there.

New York is just one hour's flight from Washington. The only reason for Mr Bush not to have visited must be security concerns.

But if it is too dangerous for the President of the United States to visit the biggest city in his own country which is suffering so immensely, the terrorists have won.

And that is exactly the wrong message for Mr Bush to be sending out.