Obama and Republican leader pledge to work together

The US Senate's new Republican leader and President Barack Obama have both promised to end the political gridlock that has so frustrated American voters, the BBC reported.

Republicans made historic gains in the mid-term elections and now control both legislative chambers.

Incoming Senate leader Mitch McConnell said he would make the ineffective Senate function and pass bills.

Mr Obama said he was "eager to work with the new Congress to make the next two years as productive as possible."

The election campaign was characterised by widespread frustration expressed by voters about the inability of Congress to work together.

To the Americans who voted for change, the president said: "I hear you."

He told a White House news conference that both parties must address those concerns, but he admitted that as president he had a "unique responsibility to try to make this town work."

On Friday, he will host a meeting at the White House with Democratic and Republican leaders.

"We can surely find ways to work together," Mr Obama said. "It's time for us to take care of business."