What the papers say

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

There's not much consensus on the front pages about the most important story of the day.

The Mirror and the Sun both lead with the death of Sarah Parkinson, who was married to the comedian Paul Merton, from breast cancer at the age of just 41.

The Independent and the Daily Telegraph devote their main headlines to the public rejection of GM crops.

But the other main headlines are all different and the papers on this side of the Irish Sea are no exception.

For the Irish News, the biggest story is a report that Belfast city councillors are looking for a new package of allowances, including the introduction of pensions and severance pay.

The paper says that - if adopted - the plan would cost £1m and add 2p to the rates.

Toxic waste

Apparently the idea's being examined by other councils across Northern Ireland.

The News Letter opts instead for a warning that fuel smugglers are dumping toxic waste in waterways and built-up areas.

The paper says the waste is the highly corrosive by-product of removing dye from untaxed diesel.

On the features pages, the Irish Times says the decision by Microsoft to close its internet chatrooms across the world will have a profound effect on the industry.

The Irish Independent says the company deserves praise for taking action against paedophiles, but it wonders if it was the right action.

It believes a system of regulating chatrooms might have been more effective.

The Irish News takes the opposite view, arguing that all other chatroom operators should follow suit and close them down.

'Truth commission'

It doesn't believe it's possible to prevent their misuse.

The News Letter devotes its leader column to a call for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission here.

The key issue, it says, is how the whole matter is handled, but it feels the Hutton Inquiry has demonstrated that these things can be handled very well indeed.

The Mail reports that the former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Peter Mandelson, is to make a political comeback - this time in Brussels.

The paper's political editor says he's being rewarded by the prime minister for his support in recent months, and will be appointed European Commissioner, taking up the post next year to replace Neil Kinnock.

Spanish courses

The story says the only man to be sacked twice from the same cabinet will find himself in one of the most sought-after jobs in Europe.

The Independent reports that figures from the Open University indicate that the number of people applying to do its elementary Spanish course has more than trebled since David Beckham signed for Real Madrid.

One theory is that many people are tuning in to satellite television stations to watch the team's games and want to be able to understand the commentary.

Finally, the Times reports that a man faces time in jail after using a police radio which he found in a petrol station to do impressions of Frank Spencer, the comedy character made famous by Michael Crawford.

Nathan Stack, who defended himself in court, butted into police frequencies twice a day, bombarding officers with phrases like: "Goodbye little fairies, I must leave on the double. I'd like to stay for one more day but I'm in a spot of trouble."

There's nothing more to say, really, except Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.