Schwarzenegger energises Republican convention

NEW YORK - The Republican Party embraces immigrants pursuing the American dream, Austrian-born actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger told the Republican National Convention on Tuesday in a speech peppered with quips from his movie-star past.

People pessimistic about America's economic might are "girlie men," Schwarzenegger said in his most high-profile speech since becoming California governor, repeating the controversial remark he made during his state's budget battle.

And he recycled the line "I'll be back" from his "Terminator" movies, saying: "America is back! Back from the attack on our homeland, back from the attack on our economy, back from the attack on our way of life."

His speech was frequently interrupted by applause and chants of "USA" by cheering delegates who waved signs reading "ARNOLD!"

"He's turned out to be better than I thought he would," said Texas delegate Lucie Weaver. "I didn't think he'd get treated with respect. I think he's earned it."

Schwarzenegger, 57, took a more sombre tack describing his Cold War-era childhood in Austria and the successes he has enjoyed in America as a top prize-winning bodybuilder and highly paid movie star.

"One thing I learned about America is that if you work hard and play by the rules, this country is truly open to you. You can achieve anything," he said. "It doesn't make any difference if, like me, you couldn't even speak English until you were in your twenties."

Schwarzenegger said the Republican Party embraced the hopes and aspirations of new immigrants.

"To my fellow immigrants listening tonight, I want you to know how welcome you are in this party," he said. "We Republicans admire your ambition. We encourage your dreams. We believe in your future."

Schwarzenegger, who diverges from the Republican Party line on such issues as abortion and gay rights, was the latest in a string of moderates who have taken centre stage at the four-day event to nominate President Bush to a second term.

"Maybe you don't agree with this party on every single issue," he said in his nationally televised prime-time speech. "I say to you tonight I believe that's not only OK -- that's what's great about this country."

The charismatic action-film star became governor less than a year ago in a dramatic recall election of Gov. Gray Davis.

Elected with no experience in public office, Schwarzenegger overcame damning publicity during the bitter campaign about his past, including allegations that he groped at least 15 women and once praised Adolf Hitler for his speaking abilities.

Schwarzenegger first caused a stir with the "girlie man" remark in July when he used it to describe Democratic legislators after lawmakers failed to meet a budget deadline. The epithet came from an old "Saturday Night Live" television skit about body building.

- REUTERS