GEORGE W BUSH is to be the next President of the United States.

His rival, Democrat Al Gore, is set to drop out of the presidential race after ordering his recount committee to suspend operations.

Two senior advisers said today that vice president Gore will address the US public tonight in a move which may confirm Republican George W. Bush - the two-term Texas governor - as the 43rd US President.

The new development comes 12 hours after the US Supreme Court voted 7-2 to overturn a ruling to recount thousands of disputed votes in Florida. Those recounts were crucial to Gore's hopes of overtaking Bush and winning the election.

The court's decision ended America's closest presidential election in 124 years on its 36th tumultuous day.

Campaign chairman William Daley said: "The vice president has directed the recount committee to suspend activities. He will address the nation this evening."

Bush has made no public comment, but he and running mate Dick Cheney are "very pleased and gratified," said James Baker, the head of their legal team.

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