"US President George W Bush continues to support World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz despite a scandal over pay raises and promotions given to his girlfriend.

"The president has confidence in Paul Wolfowitz and his work" at the World Bank, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

Mr Wolfowitz, who was backed for the prestigious post by President Bush in 2005, was fighting for his political life on Friday (local time) after World Bank directors said they had not approved staggering pay rises for his girlfriend, Shaha Riza, a World Bank staffer."

Labels: collusion, corruption