Republican convention: Day one

An aide cleans the stage in preparation of the Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Centre in St Paul, Minnesota. Photograph: PAUL J RICHARDS/AFP

A television displays a weather map of Hurricane Gustav on day one of the Republican National Convention. The hurricane threatened the US Gulf coast and led to scheduling changes on day one. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Republican delegates observe a moment of prayer for the Louisiana residents on the floor. Photograph: SHAWN THEW/EPA

Former US presidential candidate Mitt Romney appears on the floor of the Republican National Convention. Photograph: STAN HONDA/AFP

Republican delegate Kelly Williams of Plano, Texas wears a hat showing his dislike for Democratic presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois. Photograph: Jae C Hong/AP

Delegates are reflected in and distorted by a decorative mirror on the convention floor. Photograph: DAMIR SAGOLJ/Reuters

Republican presidential candidate John McCain's daughter Meghan, left, and his mother Roberta at the Xcel Energy Centre in St Paul. Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty

Stage workers attach a sign to a platform for Republican presidential candidate John McCain. Photograph: JIM YOUNG/Reuters

Cindy McCain, left, wife of presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain, speaks during the proceedings as US first lady Laura Bush listens at the Xcel Energy Centre in St Paul. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty

A Republican delegate wears a hat with pins supporting the Republican candidates Photograph: Shawn Thew/EPA

Members of the Colorado Republican delegation show their support for the party's vice-presidential candidate, the Alaska governor, Sarah Palin Photograph: Shawn Thew/EPA

The First Lady, Laura Bush, speaks on day one of the Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy centre Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Nearly 10,000 people protest against the Iraq war on the steps of the state capital at the Republican National Convention Photograph: Andy Blenkush/EPA

Protesters dance in the streets outside the 2008 Republican National Convention (RNC) at the Xcel Energy centre Photograph: Max Whittaker/Getty

A protester kicks a smoke bomb during a protest at the Republican convention Photograph: Matt Rourke/AP

People sit on the grass after being detained by police along the riverfront outside the convention Photograph: Max Whittaker/Getty

A cordon of police detain people along the riverfront outside the convention Photograph: Max Whittaker/Getty