Bush looks to save face on security by naming new chief

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The Times
From Roland Watson in Washington
The outgoing candidate's nanny problem was only one of several controversies surrounding the former police chief of New York


Bernard Kerik, the son of a prostitute who abandoned him, has had a colourful past that shows signs of catching up with him. (RICHARD MILLS)

PRESIDENT BUSH was scrambling to name a new domestic security chief last night as the White House blamed Bernard Kerik for the embarrassment of his own downfall.

Administration officials said it was Mr Kerik’s failure to come clean immediately about employing an illegal immigrant as a nanny and not paying taxes on her behalf that was his undoing.

But Mr Kerik’s “nanny problem” was only one of the controversies swirling about the former New York police chief, posing questions about his judgment and suitability for a Cabinet post. Details of a $6 million (£3.13 million) profit Mr Kerik made from a share sale laden with conflicts of interest, and a past arrest warrant for failing to pay debts, were brewing into considerable political trouble for the most eyecatching pick of Mr Bush’s Cabinet.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,170-1401861,00.html

FUNNY how his UK counterpart, Home Secretary David Blunkett is also having a "nanny problem" over fast tracking his ex-girlfriend's nanny's visa....