What the papers say

Journalist Mike Philpott takes a look at what is making the headlines in Friday's morning newspapers.

The Irish News and the News Letter report on the fatal shooting of a man in north Down.

The main talking point in the papers is the escape of two prisoners from Downpatrick Crown Court.

"Find Them," says the headline in the Mirror, as the paper describes how Ian Carlin and David Taggart fought their way out of basement cells in the court building.

It reports that there was a larger police presence than normal, because Taggart was awaiting sentence for murder.

Even so, the News Letter says neither was handcuffed. But it quotes a police officer who said normal procedures had been followed.

Tony Blair must pay for his decision to postpone the Northern Ireland Assembly elections

Irish News

The Irish News warns the public not to approach the fugitives and says ports and airports are being watched.

In a leader, it condemns dissident republicans for recent bomb attacks.

The attacks - with pipe bombs and coffee jar devices - may be unsophisticated, says the paper, but the fear is that such activity will eventually end in death or wholesale destruction.

'Wonderful demonstration'

In a secondary leader, it supports the right of assembly members to receive a reduced salary for the next six months.

Tony Blair must pay for his decision to postpone the elections, it says.

The News Letter has praise for the cross-community effort that resulted in the opening of a new inter-denomination church at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry.

Chancellor Gordon Brown is considering introducing American-style mortgages, with 30-year fixed rates and the opportunity to swap deals at any time without financial penalty

The Times

In its editorial, the paper describes it as a wonderful demonstration of faith that sends an enduring message of hope.

No single story grabs the limelight in the cross-channel papers. The only one that comes near is the case of Tony Martin, the farmer who shot a burglar and has been told he must stay in jail.

The Star says it is "outrageous," while the Telegraph reckons the story has turned from tragedy to farce.

The Times reports that Chancellor Gordon Brown is considering introducing American-style mortgages, with 30-year fixed rates and the opportunity to swap deals at any time without financial penalty.

The paper says it would shake up the entire mortgage market and help homeowners.

Modern media

The Irish Independent ridicules the Republic's attempts to apprehend speeding drivers. It reports that only three roadside cameras actually contain film, and the computer network to administer the penalty points system remains in its box.

"Even the Keystone Kops would be left blushing," it says.

The Independent in London highlights a warning from the heads of independent schools that teenagers are losing their understanding of grammar and the ability to engage in sparkling conversation.

The teachers blame the pressure of exams, lack of reading, and the modern media.

The paper says easing up on exams would not make any difference.

Finally, the Times reports that the American police could do with some lessons in irony, as it tells the story of Alex Wilson. Two years ago, Mr Wilson placed a spoof advertisement on a web site, offering his five-year-old son for sale.

It read: "Hyperactive kid for sale, good at vacuuming, not great at washing dishes because he's too short. Guaranteed to annoy. £5 or nearest offer."

That was the last he thought of it, until Strathclyde police, prompted by their colleagues in Washington, arrived at his door to say he was being investigated for child slavery. They finally saw the joke.