What the papers say

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

Both Belfast papers heave a sigh of relief that the Orange march in west Belfast at the weekend passed off peacefully.

The Irish News believes it was because the marchers stuck firmly to the conditions laid down by the Parades Commission and nationalists restricted themselves to a dignified and low-key protest.

It says sensible policing tactics also made a contribution.

The paper concludes that only a tiny minority of parades are still causing difficulties and an agreement over Drumcree would transform the entire debate.

The News Letter reports under its main headline that a deal in Portadown is close.

It comments that the weekend parade marked a major achievement.

Everyone is indebted to those whose brave stand for dialogue has developed into real hope

News Letter

What makes it all the more remarkable is that it took place in an area where, not so long ago, the very idea of cooperation would have been treated with suspicion.

It hopes that cooperation will go a stage further and that community workers on both sides of the community will develop friendships as a result.

The paper says everyone is indebted to those whose brave stand for dialogue has developed into real hope.

The papers in Dublin are also full of praise - this time for the organisers and participants in the Special Olympics.

The Irish Times comments that the latent goodness in people surfaced everywhere, quelling any notions that a roaring Irish economy had rendered the average person selfish.

But, it hopes, that the triumph of the Games will result in a new inclusiveness in Irish society for those with disabilities.

'Games triumph'

The Irish Independent describes it as a triumph of hearts and minds - but it wonders why the spirit of unselfishness cannot continue indefinitely.

Today, it says, we return to the Ireland of slaughter on the roads, pollution and overcharging, to mention just three of the sad facts of life.

The Daily Telegraph believes the BBC's dispute with the government is a fight to the death.

It reports under its main headline that the Corporation's director general, Greg Dyke, has staked his reputation on the outcome.

The Guardian says everything depends on the findings of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and it does not believe those findings will be as cut and dried as the government hopes.

The Independent reports that one of the BBC's fiercest critics, Lord Tebbit, has rallied to its cause on this occasion.

In a piece written for the paper, he says his support will surprise many people and he accuses Tony Blair and his communications director, Alastair Campbell, of directing venom at the Corporation.

There is some scepticism over attempts by Prince Charles to portray himself as a pretty ordinary guy.

The Sun reports that details about his income and spending have been released, apparently to indicate that he does not live an extravagant lifestyle.

But the Mail says it must be tough getting by with £2m a year, 17 personal servants, an ancient car and no house of one's own.

Finding God

Finally, the Mirror reports on the trials and tribulations of Andy Green, who lives in Manchester.

His difficulties began when the new Jim Carrey film, Bruce Almighty, was released.

The movie contains a phone number which is supposedly a direct line to God. It also happens to belong to Andy.

He tells the paper he is getting 70 calls a day.

He admits it may have been a mistake to say "Yes, it's me" when one caller asked if he was the Messiah.