What the papers say

Journalist Mike Philpott reviews Friday morning's papers.

Bill Clinton is pictured on the front page of the News Letter, receiving his honorary Queen's University degree from ex-Senator George Mitchell.

The paper quotes him as saying that Northern Ireland has given the world a lead in resolving conflict.

But a picture on a different page is in stark contrast to his upbeat message.

It shows a group of loyalist gunmen, allegedly policing the streets in north Belfast.

Democratic values

The paper comments that people would sleep more soundly in their beds if they knew that law and order was being enforced by members of the security services instead of men in balaclavas.

It wonders if the level of policing is sufficient to keep troublemakers off the streets.

The Irish Times comments that the activities of paramilitaries are a source of serious concern to all those who cherish democratic values.

Not all gun attacks and beatings are in response to lawlessness, says the paper.

Some are connected with turf wars and the control of local communities.

Others are about drug dealing and extortion.

Show restraint

It notes that the level of gun attacks is at its highest since 1975.

And it urges politicians to quickly resolve the issue of policing when they meet after the election.

The Mirror carries an interview with David Ervine of the Progressive Unionist Party, in which he urges loyalist paramilitaries to show restraint.

But he also calls on the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, to crush the Real IRA.

The alternative, he tells the paper, is that the Provisional IRA will do it themselves.

The Irish News examines the damage that has been done to Northern Ireland's image by the recent attack on three young Australians and other acts of violence.

It comments that the tourism industry here needs a peaceful summer - and that includes Drumcree.

White House

In its main editorial, the paper joins the London broadsheets in looking at the future of George Bush's presidency after the defection of Senator James Jeffords of Vermont.

It says he has cheered people around the world who had feared for the environment, since Mr Bush no longer has a Senate majority that would allow him to push through bills like the one allowing more oil drilling in Alaska.

The paper says it is appropriate that the president will have to work in a spirit of co-operation with his Democratic opponents, given the controversial nature of his election to the White House.

The Guardian says the history of the Bush era is being rewritten before it properly begins.

The paper is jubilant that the oil drilling plan will be stifled at birth, and that the Supreme Court may now avoid the appointment of ultra-conservative judges.

Canvassers

The Independent comments that Bush the candidate promised "compassionate conservatism", but Bush the president abandoned the idea.

The paper feels he will be forced to govern from the centre, and America and the rest of the world will benefit.

Finally, the Daily Telegraph has interesting news for anyone fed up with politicians ringing the front doorbell.

The comedian Harry Enfield - in an effort to confuse the candidates - has placed a large poster of Harold Wilson in his window, with the message: Vote Wilson X.

He has not been troubled by canvassers since.