What the papers say

Journalist Grania McFadden takes a look at what is making the headlines in Wednesday's morning newspapers.

Ricin dominates the papers. The discovery of traces of the deadly toxin in a north London flat prompts headlines like "Red alert for a terror attack in UK".

The Guardian reports on a "desperate search" for the missing poison, and the Daily Mail claims that at least three members of the alleged Al Qaeda terror cell suspected of manufacturing the toxin are still at large.

The Sun reports that security officials believe politicians or sports stars are under threat of attack.

Several papers outline the effects of ricin.

The Independent says just a droplet the size of a pinhead is enough to kill, and there is no antidote.

A reporter from the Mail downloaded detailed instructions from the internet, which outline how castor beans, a couple of chemicals and a coffee filter can be used to produce many ounces of ricin.

'Bed-sit war'

In its editorial, the Mirror argues that the toxin alert proves a war against Iraq "will not stop terror".

It thinks 'the real war on terror will not be won in Iraq, Afghanistan or North Korea. It will be fought in the bed-sits and backstreets of Britain".

The Mail also criticises the government's preparations for war in Iraq.

Following the discovery of ricin, it asks whether Saddam really is the most immediate threat to public safety, or whether Britain and America are allowing their attention to be diverted from the real danger.

On the subject of war, the Mirror warns that hundreds of army reservists in Northern Ireland could be called up in the event of conflict with Iraq.

It says that units in Belfast, Coleraine and Londonderry - home of the only wheeled ambulance unit in the UK - are likely to receive calls, while personnel prepared to operate field hospitals are also based in Ballymena, Portadown and Holywood.

The future of Stormont occupies the Irish News, which is concerned about the lack of what it calls "serious engagement" from politicians at present.

In its editorial, it says a settlement is needed by the main parties before the end of February, if elections are to take place in May.

'Upbeat' on Agreement

And it believes decisions on the future of the IRA and policing can't be delayed indefinitely.

But the News Letter is more upbeat, claiming that the only bits of the Agreement still to be put in place are policing and paramilitarism.

It believes we are nearly ready to get all the pieces to work together.

One of those pieces should be working more effectively after receiving a £40m cash boost.

But the News Letter says the police service has already spent its massive government handout.

The Mirror offers readers a breakdown of where the cash has gone: £33m on officers' overtime from last summer's riots; £400,000 for new vehicles, after dozens of Land Rovers were damaged during clashes in Belfast last year; and £6.5m to pay off the PSNI's overdraft.

Several papers complain that the wintery weather has caused chaos on Britain's road and rail networks.

But the Star reports that the freezing temperatures took even the hardiest creatures by surprise.

Penguins at a zoo in east Yorkshire refused to venture outside at all, and another at Chester Zoo would not emerge into the cold until he was wrapped in a scarf.