McCain told the convention crowd 'I won't let you down' [AFP]

To loud cheers and an ovation from the convention crowd, McCain thanked them for the "privilege" of the nomination and vowed "change is coming".

"I accept it [the nomination] with gratitude, humility and confidence," the Arizona senator said on Thursday. "I won't let you down."

McCain thanked George Bush, the US president, "for leading us in those dark days following the worst attack on American soil in our history" in reference to the September 11 attacks in 2001.

However he criticised Barack Obama, his Democratic rival, for lack of experience, particularly in foreign policy.

"I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not," he said to an ovation.

At one point in the speech McCain appeared to be heckled by anti-war protesters, who were swiftly ejected from the Excel centre where the Republican National Convention has been held for the past four days.

However he dismissed the protesters and told the audience not to listen to the "noise and
static".

McCain also sparked huge applause when he thanked Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska and his controversial vice-presidential running mate, and vowed to live up to his reputation as a "maverick" and get the Republican party "back to basics".

"Let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first,
country second Washington crowd: change is coming", he said.

I don't work for a party. I don't work for a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you."

On Iraq, McCain said he had fought for "the right strategy and more troops in Iraq", in reference to last year's so-called troop surge.

He praised General David Petraeus, the top US general in Iraq, for implementing a strategy that "succeeded and rescued us from a defeat that would have demoralised our military, risked a wider war and threatened the security of all Americans."

McCain also condemned Iran as a "state sponsor of terrorism" and criticised Russia over Georgia, saying the US could not turn a blind eye "to aggression and international lawlessness that threatens the peace and stability of the world and ... the American people".

'Elite' condemned

McCain's remarks followed a defiant and largely well-received speech on Wednesday by his vice-presidential running mate.

Palin, who was largely unknown in US national politics before being selected by McCain last week, has faced a storm of criticism over her unmarried teenage daughter's pregnancy, her alleged role in the sacking of an Alaskan official and questions about her political record.

Palin's anti-abortion and pro-gun background has also provoked controversy.

However on Wednesday the Alaska governor condemned what she called the "Washington elite" for being out of touch with the plight of US citizens, as she made history by becoming the first woman to be nominated for the post by the Republican party.

"I've learnt quickly these past few days that if you're not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone," the governor of Alaska told delegates.

"But here's a little news flash for those reporters and commentators: I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion. - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this great country."

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