President George W. Bush expressed sadness over the death on Wednesday of former president Gerald Ford, saying he had helped “heal” America in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal.

“With his quiet integrity, common sense, and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the presidency,” Mr Bush said. “The American people will always admire Gerald Ford’s devotion to duty, his personal character, and the honorable conduct of his administration.”