Elliots store manager Andrea Bond said the former US president entered the Elliott's outlet with his security detail saying "I'm looking for a job.". The owner of the Texas chain had made the offer earlier this month in a letter published in a Dallas newspaper.

But despite not yet having a publisher for his memoirs, Mr Bush decided on reflection to turn the job down. Equipped with a name tag reading 'W', Mr Bush spent an hour there with his secret service security detail, chatting to customers and shopping.

Described as part-time, the job would have left Mr Bush time to work on his presidential library and write about his two terms at the White House. "We're confident that your experience working in your own family business, as well as your people skills developed throughout years of meeting with foreign dignitaries would make you an excellent candidate for the position," read the job offer, signed by Kyle Walters, president and CEO of Elliott's Hardware.

"Furthermore, like you, many of our greeters are retired from the corporate world, so we're sure you'll have no trouble making new friends."  The employment package also offered parking for his security detail and an employee discount. "We think you'll find working with us much less stressful than your last job," the offer continued.

Bush would be ideal at B&Q... I mean, he screwed up the Middle East.

You want three quarter inch number eights for that madam.

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