We had the TV on all day in the boardroom for anyone that wanted to pop in for an update. Part way through the afternoon our MD came out and dinged the little gong we have in the office/callcentre that we use sometimes to announce an "anouncement" or call a break/end of shift. He said "It's official, Obama is the next US president". There was a mixed reaction but most people seemed pleased. Whatever the outcome you were about to be rid of Bush - we all were - (no offence to any Bushies but...I mean...) so that was good anyway.

I think Obama is charismatic, eloquent, elegant, sincere and seriously hard-working and well-prepared. I wish him and the whole of the USA all the very best for the new future that is ahead of you - and for the rest of the world as a result. Time will tell if he is up to the new challenge. I couldn't help but think how proud Martin Luther King would have been if he could have seen ahead to this moment, his dream fulfilled, before he died.

We have a saying down here, America sneezes and Australia catches a cold. Well, let's hope you make a great recovery and so will we.

Congratulations and best wishes on a new president and a new era.