Washington: US Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, the first head of the special anti-terror wing created in the wake of September 11 attacks, has resigned citing personal reasons.

Ridge, who hogged the limelight with his regular terror alerts and prepared the country for "possible strikes in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks, submitted his resignation yesterday (Nov 30, 2004).

The 59-year-old Ridge, considered a close confidant of Bush, said he will continue in his job till February 1, unless his successor is confirmed by the Senate earlier.

Terming the period following the September 11 attacks "incredible", Ridge said he was "confident that the terrorists are aware that America is a different place to work or operate in" than it was before the strikes.

He, however refused to divulge his future plans, but said he hopes to spend more time with his family and attend other personal matters, including his son's rugby games.

The White House has not yet named his successor, but the names of former Virginia Governor James S Gilmore, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, White House Homeland Security Adviser Frances Fragos Townsend and Interim Minister for the Interior for Iraq Bernard Kerik are being mentioned as the possible candidates for his replacement.

President George W Bush hailed Ridge and said his efforts have "resulted in safer skies, increased border and port security, and enhanced measures to safeguard our critical infrastructure and the American public. America is safer and our Government is better able to protect our people because of his hard work."