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Palin attacks Obama in Republican bow

04/09/2008

Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin has dismissed Barack Obama's credentials for the White House in her first address to the party's convention.

The Alaskan governor, who had endured a media backlash since being named as John McCain's running-mate, said the Democratic nominee was callow and flashy, more interested in self-promotion than the security of the United States.

Mrs Palin - who referred to Mr Obama as "our opponent" rather than mentioning him by name – said there was "much to like and admire" about the Illinois senator.

"But listening to him speak, it's easy to forget that this is a man who has authored two memoirs but not a single major law or reform - not even in the state senate," she continued.

Mrs Palin's appearance at the convention had threatened to be overshadowed by confirmation her unmarried teenage daughter Bristol was five months pregnant, while a video message from her to the Alaskan Independence party had provided further embarrassment.

But she was given a rapturous welcome by Republicans at their convention in St Paul, Minnesota.

Mr McCain is due to address the convention tonight local time, when he will formally accept the party's nomination.