What the papers say

Journalist Mike Philpott reviews Thursday's morning newspapers.

The Irish Times is not convinced that Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern will be able to release their peace package tomorrow as planned.

The paper says the Ulster Unionists and Sinn Fein are still pushing for last minute changes to what it calls this attempt to push-start a three-wheeled accord.

The likely contents are still leaking out. The Irish Independent says there will not be a blanket amnesty for crimes committed during the Troubles.

The News Letter is one of several papers to report that the package may include a review of the workings of the Parades Commission.

In a leader, it comments that no party is going to get everything it wants.

Opinions

And it calls for sober consideration of whatever the two governments have decided.

Indeed, the paper concludes that there is a strong argument for politicians to hold back from offering their opinions for at least three days, to avoid the prospect of instant failure.

The Irish News, meanwhile, reports under an exclusive tag that the police have uncovered new evidence linking those suspected of the Omagh bombing to other terrorist attacks.

But the paper says that, as the third anniversary of the bombing approaches, the investigation is no nearer to bringing murder charges based on the events of 15 August 1998.

It comments that many people will find it shocking that the names of the killers are known to the police, but there's not enough evidence to place them behind bars.

Even though the Omagh bombers have not been brought to justice, it says, there can be no let-up in the investigation into this horrendous incident.

Coverage

And the families deserve justice, no matter how long it takes.

Many of the London-based papers carry prominent coverage of a National Audit Office report on what the Daily Mail calls the scandal of Health Service waiting lists.

The paper says patients waiting for simple operations have been treated ahead of people who need much more serious surgery, because it's a faster way of meeting government performance targets.

The Daily Telegraph says Tony Blair's election pledge to cut waiting lists has been met, but at some considerable cost.

The paper also takes hospital trusts to task for the way in which they have been calculating the length of time people have to wait.

Picture

The Times carries an opinion poll this morning suggesting that Kenneth Clarke is the clear favourite of the public and of Tory supporters in the contest for the leadership of the Conservative Party.

But more interesting is the paper's picture of Mr Clarke. It shows his tie blown to one side by the breeze to reveal a Gucci label on the back.

The paper says it was an unexpected fashion statement, and reports that it cost £68.

His rival, Ian Duncan Smith, settled for a House of Fraser design which is currently in the sale at £15.

Finally, still with the Times, and still on the subject of male apparel, the paper reveals the invention of the shirt that irons itself.

It has been developed by an Italian designer whose wife was tired of pressing his shirts.