Ron Paul tops presidential poll

The libertarian Republican Congressman Ron Paul won a presidential straw poll of conservatives at the weekend in a result that showed Republicans still a have long way to go to pick a challenger to President Barack Obama in 2012.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who in the past has drawn scepticism from conservatives, had a strong showing with 23 per cent, coming in second behind Mr Paul's 30 per cent. Other potential Republican candidates were a long way behind with single digits.