Violent protests at stripped-down GOP convention

VIOLENT protests with 13 arrests and vicious rumours stole a march on the prized news agenda and filled the void during the Republican convention’s stripped down first day.

The Republican party had tried to use Hurricane Gustav to prove its candidate John McCain was willing to shelve celebrations and put the country first.

However, its plans were blown off course by a series of events yesterday morning when Hurricane Gustav made land at Louisiana with wind speeds 70kmph lighter than forecasted.