WASHINGTON - PRESIDENT George W. Bush will likely not go to the Republican National Convention on Monday and concentrate on Hurricane Gustav which is expected to strike Louisiana that day, the White House said on Sunday.

'Due to the hurricane, the president is unlikely to travel to Minnesota on Monday,' White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said. 'We are working on alternate preparations and we'll provide details as soon as possible.'

Mr Bush and his administration were harshly criticized for failing to adequately prepare and respond when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast three years ago.

He was due to receive briefings from federal, state and local officials at the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters later on Sunday.

Republicans on Monday open their four-day convention to nominate John McCain as their presidential candidate for the Nov 4 general election. Organizers said they were watching the storm closely and might adjust their plans.

Top Republicans, including Mr McCain himself, says it would be unseemly to be seen celebrating while a natural disaster unfolds 1700 km away.

Politically, the convention presents the best opportunity the Republicans will have to make their case for Mr McCain to the nation. Anything that draws attention away from them could be a serious blow.

Mr Bush, whose approval rating has hovered around 30 per cent for months, had been due to address the convention on Monday.

Mr McCain has been performing a delicate balancing act, trying to assert his independence from the unpopular president without alienating his conservative base, many of whose members admire Mr Bush.

On Saturday, Ms Perino said one alternative could include Mr Bush addressing the party faithful via satellite. Vice President Dick Cheney is still expected to attend the convention on Monday, his office said. -- REUTERS