DeLay hits out in farewell speech

Tom DeLay was nicknamed the Hammer for his approach to politics

Senior Republican Tom DeLay has bowed out of the House of Representatives with a defiant speech defending conservatism and partisan politics.

"You show me a nation without partisanship, and I'll show you a tyranny," Mr DeLay, the former House Majority leader, said.

Mr DeLay, accused of laundering contributions for Republican campaigns, said in April he was stepping down.

He has strongly denied the accusations in a case which has yet to go to trial.

Mr DeLay, nicknamed the Hammer for his approach to tackling opponents, strongly defended his time in politics.

If given the chance to do it all again, there's only one thing I would change - I would fight even harder Tom DeLay Hammer falls on Republican

He noted that it was customary for lawmakers to "reminisce about the 'good old days' of political harmony and across- the-aisle-camaraderie" in their farewell speeches.

"I can't do that," the Texas Republican said.

"For all its faults, it is partisanship - based on core principles - that clarifies our debates, that prevents one party from straying too far from the mainstream and that constantly refreshes our politics with new ideas and new leaders."

Most of his fellow House Republicans were present, giving him several ovations, while many of the Democrats in attendance walked out when he attacked liberal ideology.

Mr DeLay has been a pivotal political figure over the past decade, delivering funds and votes to further the Republican cause.

'Clawed'

A series of corruption allegations led him to resign as majority leader in September 2005 and then this April to announce he was leaving Congress.

Mr DeLay denies charges that he illegally used corporate money to fund the Republican Party in Texas.

Correspondents say Democrats, seeking to win control of Congress in November's mid-term elections, have sought to portray Mr DeLay as the face of what they call a "culture of corruption" within the Republicans.

Mr DeLay again denied any wrongdoing in his final speech.

"I have scraped and clawed for every vote, every amendment, for every word of every bill that I believed in my heart would protect human freedom and defend human dignity," Mr DeLay said.

"And if given the chance to do it all again, there's only one thing I would change - I would fight even harder."