Obama: 'public service is a privilege'

On his first full day in office, President Obama has issued executive orders which, he says, will usher in a new era of openness and transparency in government.

Attending a swearing-in ceremony for senior White House staff, Mr Obama announced strict new rules on lobbyists and their gifts to federal civil servants.

He said public service was a "privilege" and not about advancing yourself, your friends or your corporate clients.