Bush's vote plea.

President George Bush today called on the American people to return him to the White House for a second term, where he would prevail in the war on terrorism.

He told the Republican National Convention that he was "dramatically different" from his Democratic opponent John Kerry, who was weak on defence and would raise taxes.

With just two months until the election, Mr Bush defended the war on Iraq, and, to loud applause, thanked Prime Minister Tony Blair for his "wise counsel".

During the speech, which was interrupted several times by protesters, Mr Bush said America's mission to spread democracy would lead to a more peaceful world and help resolve the impasse between Israel and Palestine.