Republican vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan has vowed to protect Medicare, the federal health insurance programme for older people, for people over 55, and those already on the scheme, but said he will reform the scheme in the future.

Ryan was responding to criticism from the Democrats of his proposed changes that would leave more people paying out of their pockets for their healthcare.

Governor Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate for president, named congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin as his vice presidential candidate on 11 August. Ryan is a 42 year old Roman Catholic who has served in the House of Representatives since 1999, most recently as chair of the House budget committee.

Ryan is known for his economic expertise and …