WASHINGTON. Aug 7: Republican presidential nominee George W Bush has opened up a 17-point lead over Democratic ■Sval US Vice President Al Gore, according to a new poll by CNN and the daily newspaper USA Today, reports AFP.

Fifty-four per cent of653 likely voters favoured Bush, while 37 per. cent preferred Gore, according to the poll, which found that the Texas governor has made gains among women, senior citizens. Catholics and lower-income voters.

Just prior to the Republican convention which ended Thursday, the margin between the two candidates was Just 11 points, with 50 per cent of voters polled choosing Bush and 39 per cent saying they preferred Gore. CNN arid USAToday said.

The survey found that Bush also has convinced voters that he is more compassionate than Gore — traditionally a major advantage for Democratic candidates.

The Texas Republican also has widened his lead with the number of Americans who think he is a stronger leader than Gore.

The survey results come on the heels of a Newsweek poll of 817 registered voters showing that Bush had opened up a 49-38 per cent lead over Gore following the convention.

The Democrats will hold their ^convention on August 14-17 in Los Angeles, where Gore also seems likely to reap the traditional post-convention "bounce' in opinion polls.