EX-US PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH SNR DIES AGED 94

FORMER US president George H W Bush who presided over the end of the Cold War and was credited with having the most impressive public service resume in US political history has died aged 94.

The 41st president of the United States may have only served a single-term in the White House but presided over a tumultuous period in global history that included the dismantling of the Soviet Union and the invasion of Kuwait, with his input credited for creating a world of civility and furthering democracy at that time.

He was forthright and committed in his judgments particularly over the 1989 invasion of Kuwait but stopping short of pursuing Saddam Hussein and plunging the US into a generation of war.

In 1992, Mr Bush lost his reelection bid to Bill Clinton – whose aide coined the now famous slogan “It’s the economy, stupid” – as eccentric thirdparty candidate Ross Perot siphoned off conservative votes. The elder Bush’s cautious realpolitik would later be contrasted to his son’s far more costly ambition to transform the Middle East, but “Bush 41” refused to weigh in on the debate, insisting he was proud of the presidency of “Bush 43.”

His son, yesterday led the tributes to his dad.

“Jeb, Neil, Marvin, Doro, and I are saddened to announce that after 94 remarkable years, our dead Dad has died. George H.W. Bush was a man of the highest character and the best dad a son or daughter could ask for,” the family said in a statement posted to social media.

Celebrities including Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to the leader as did world leaders led by current President Donald Trump.

“Through his essential authenticity, disarming wit, and unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country, President Bush inspired generations of his fellow Americans to public service,” Mr Trump said. He added: “As President, he set the stage for the decades of prosperity that have followed.” Mr Bush had battled a form of Parkinson’s disease for many years and was restricted to a motorised scooter.

Details of a State Funeral are expected tomorrow.