Obama sworn in for second term
Barack Obama has been publicly sworn in as US President for his second term.
In his inauguration address on the Capitol, the President pleaded for unity and emphasised the need for Republicans and Democrats to work together to avoid the political deadlock in Congress which dogged his first term.
“My fellow Americans, the oath I have sworn before you today, like the one recited by others who serve in this Capitol, was an oath to God and country, not party or faction – and we must faithfully execute that pledge during the duration of our service,” he said.
Hundreds of thousands gathered to see the speech, in which President Obama pledged to tackle climate change, push ahead with equality laws, and alluded to harsher gun control laws he is seeking to introduce in the wake of the Newtown school massacre.
“Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for, and cherished, and always safe from harm.”
Mr Obama was officially sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts in a private ceremony yesterday afternoon.