Republican Congressman Porter Goss is the new Central Intelligence Agency director. He will replace George Tenet, who quit after scathing criticism over his handling of the pre-war intelligence on Iraq.

Sixty-five-year old Goss is currently head of the House Intelligence Committee.

Bush said Goss is the 'right man to lead the agency at a time of unprecedented threats against America'. Goss is a former CIA officer himself.

"Porter Goss is a leader with strong experience in intelligence and in fighting against terrorism," said Bush. "He is the right man to lead this important agency at this critical moment in our nation's history. The work of the CIA is vital to our security."

Goss, a Florida Republican, said, "What many Americans don't realise is we've got a lot of people around the globe doing very, very hard work -- long hours in dangerous situations."

Agencies