As the world prepares to bid a less-than-fond farewell to President Bush, the founder of the political dynasty is hinting that Washington may not have seen the last of his family.

George Bush Snr, the former president and father of the current White House occupant, today urged his second son to seek election to the Senate next year in Florida. “I’d like to see him run,” he said. “I’d like to see him be president some day.”

Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, has long been regarded as his father’s favourite. “He’s a guy who really has a feel for people, the issues in Florida and nationally and his political days ought not to be over,” said the ex-president.

“I think he’s as qualified and able as anyone I know.”

Mr Bush, however, conceded, that “now is probably not the time” to launch another White House run, because people may have concluded “there have been enough Bushes in there”.

Mr Bush and his son George W are the second father and son in US history to serve as presidents. John Adams was the second and his son, John Quincy Adams, the sixth. No father has ever been followed by two sons into the White House.

George W. Bush will leave office on January 20 with approval ratings hovering just below 30 per cent in many polls, some of the lowest of any president in history.

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