Ray Nagin, the charismatic and sometimes controversial mayor of New Orleans, prom­ised to work with his political foes to rebuild the flood-ravaged city after narrowly winning re-election for a second four-year term at the weekend.

Mr Nagin, an independent-minded Democrat known for his laid-back style and blunt rhetoric, has often been at odds with President George W. Bush and Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco since Hurricane Katrina struck last year.