Clinton on road to health - but not the campaign trail

Specialists predicted yesterday that former US president Bill Clinton should be able to return to his normal lifestyle. But a big question remained whether he will be able to have an active role in John Kerry's election campaign.

Specialists predicted yesterday that former US president Bill Clinton should be able to return to his normal lifestyle. But a big question remained whether he will be able to have an active role in John Kerry's election campaign.

"He will gradually resume a fully normal exercise and work schedule but that will take weeks rather than days," said Dr Allan Schwartz, head of cardiology at New York Presbyterian Hospital, where Mr Clinton had a quadruple bypass operation on Monday. "I would encourage him to resume all activities, including campaigning, as we both deem safe and appropriate."

Dr Bob Kelly, a member of the surgical team, said Mr Clinton was taken off a respirator on Monday night. "Everything is going very well," Mr Kelly said. "That being said, he has had major, major surgery, and it's a significant recuperation that he's about to undergo."

Hillary Clinton said: "It's been quite an emotional rollercoaster for us."