ST. LOUIS, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Presidential candidate John McCain ordered most of the Republican convention's activities suspended for Monday, the first day of the gathering, as Hurricane Gustav bears down on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

"Of course this is a time when we have to do away with most of our party politics," McCain told a news conference on Sunday.

"We're going to suspend most of our activities except those that are absolutely necessary."

(Editing by Patricia Zengerle)

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