Premier Alex Scott said President Bush?s re-election will be welcomed by business in Bermuda and saved his Government the bother of needing to forge new relationships.

He admitted he did not have a personal relationship with President Bush but respected the will and the vision of the American people.

He said: ?We understand that the decision means we don?t have to make new friends and will continue to work with the administration that we know.

?Bermuda has, and has had, a good relationship with America and there is no reason why that should change.?

Defeated challenger John Kerry had been a strong critic of Bermuda and American companies who headquarter here.

Mr. Scott said: ?The business community will breathe a sigh of relief. I think they had concerns and reservations if the election went the other way.?