Cheney goes on the attack

Mr Cheney and his wife Lynne greet delegates

The Republican nominee for the US vice-presidency, Dick Cheney, has promised big changes in Washington if voters send George W Bush to the White House in November.

Mr Cheney, 59, was speaking at his party's convention in Philadelphia, as he accepted his formal nomination as Mr Bush's running mate.

When I look at the administration now in Washington, I am dismayed by opportunities squandered

Dick Cheney

Mr Bush will formally accept the presidential nomination on Thursday, as the climax of a convention that has seen the party attempt to shake off its widely-perceived conservative image.

In his speech to delegates, Mr Cheney accused the Clinton-Gore administration of squandering the opportunities of the past eight years.

'Partisan strife'

Some 2,000 delegates erupted in cheers and waved Bush-Cheney placards.

To a chorus of "Go Dick, Go", he said Mr Bush would restore decency and integrity to the Oval office.

In Washington today, politics has become war by other means, an endless onslaught of accusation

Dick Cheney

He said the Democrats had turned Washington into a place of bitter partisan strife and it was time for change.

"We are all a little weary of the Clinton-Gore routine," he said. "But the wheel has turned. And it is time. It is time for them to go."

Up to this point in the Republicans' campaign, Mr Gore and Mr Clinton have been largely ignored. Their mention by name delighted the delegates, who erupted into applause.

George W Bush will make his acceptance speech on Thursday

"It's time for them to go," yelled back the delegates.

Mr Cheney lauded Mr Bush in words that implicitly criticised President Bill Clinton.

"He is a man without pretence and without cynicism. A man of principle, a man of honour.

"On the first hour of the first day he will restore decency and integrity to the Oval Office," Mr Cheney said.

Historic speech

Mr Cheney made history by becoming the first Republican vice-presidential candidate to be offered his own night at the convention to deliver his acceptance speech.

Mr Cheney's speech came against a background of attacks from the Democrat strategists, who have been using his conservative voting record in the 1980s to portray him as an extremist.

National advertisements are already being aired to hammer home the message to the electorate.

Correspondents say the aim of these attacks is to undermine the "compassionate conservatism" at the centre of the Bush campaign.