Governor George Bush was poised last night to be acclaimed by the Republican Convention as the candidate who could lead the party to victory in next November's presidential election.
According to extracts of his speech released in advance, Mr Bush will tell his supporters "We can begin again".
"Times of plenty, like times of crisis, are tests of American character. We will seize this moment of American promise. We will use these good times for great goals."
Mr Bush will also say he will "confront the hard issues - threats to our national security, threats to our health and retirement security - before the challenges of our time become crises for our children".
He will conclude by assuring Americans that a better day is coming. "We are now the party of ideas and innovation . . . the party of idealism and inclusion . . . the party of a simple and powerful hope. My fellow citizens, we can begin again."
His acceptance speech to a packed Union Centre sports stadium was timed for 3 a.m. today Irish time. "We're going to do things differently if given a chance to lead the country," he said earlier.
Thousands of red, white and blue balloons were stacked in the roof of the stadium to be released when Mr Bush finished his speech and the Republicans began cheering and singing before heading for farewell parties all over the city.
The latest tracking poll released yesterday showed Mr Bush 14 percentage points ahead of Vice-President Al Gore. With the important "independent" voters, the gap was 18 points in Mr Bush's favour. He was also leading Mr Gore among women voters, who voted mainly for Mr Clinton in the last election.