Romney defends personal wealth

Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney has defended his personal wealth amid intensifying criticism from president Barack Obama’s re-election campaign, which is trying to portray the former businessman as out-of-touch with most Americans.

Mr Romney, who is worth up to 250 million dollars (€187m), would be among the nation’s richest presidents if elected. His Democratic and Republican opponents have thrust Mr Romney’s success to the forefront of the presidential contest as he tightens his grasp on the state-by-state Republican nomination.