George Bush reserves comment

Former United States President George W. Bush said he would not criticise President Barack Obama because his successor "deserves my silence" and said he planned to write a book about the 12 toughest decisions he made in office.

Bush declined to criticise the Obama Administration in his first speech since leaving office.

He said he wanted Obama to succeed and it was important that the new President had support. "I think it is essential that he be helped in office."