Papers consider NI implications

There's much analysis in the papers of the Northern Ireland elections, with many correspondents looking to explain the success of the less moderate parties.

The Times says that better strategy and the activism of its candidates allowed Sinn Fein to become the biggest nationalist party.

On the Unionist side, the DUP, according to The Independent, ran a "cleverly calculated campaign," helped by what it calls its "very able" MPs.

Nearly all the papers express concern about the implications of the result.

The Mirror puts it in the starkest terms. Northern Ireland, it says, "has returned to the edge of the abyss and is peering over."

Military co-operation

The tortuous negotiations about an EU constitution attract plenty of coverage - notably the agreement by Britain that it will support the idea of a European military force independent of Nato.

The Daily Telegraph sees this concession as a "dramatic step" towards a fully-fledged European army.

The Independent is not the only paper to point out that Britain's stance could put it at odds with America.

Its reporter claims that Foreign Secretary Jack Straw was left "red-faced" when news of the deal leaked out before he had told Washington.

The Guardian, on the other hand, is more inclined to credit the government's negotiation skills.

The paper claims that the agreement is proof of Britain's ability to tread the fine line between maintaining the special relationship and being a "leading player in Europe".

The Financial Times says it's discovered that the government is going to allow a new runway to be built at Stansted Airport in Essex.

It also claims that ministers have ruled out any immediate expansion at Heathrow Airport because of concerns about pollution.

The report has infuriated airline companies - they've told the FT that a failure to expand Heathrow would be a "historic mistake."

Sales slump

Several newspapers report that it's turning out to be a gloomy run-up to Christmas on the High Street.

The Independent claims that retailers are bracing themselves for the worst trading Christmas in years, with sales down by as much as five per cent.

The paper blames a combination of warm weather, Rugby World Cup fever and the rise in interest rates for the slump.

The Daily Mail says that some stores have already started their sales in a bid to entice shoppers.

The tangled family history of the American aviator, Charles Lindbergh, surfaces in The Independent.

DNA tests have confirmed that the all-American hero fathered three illegitimate children in Germany.

The revelation, says the paper, puts a "considerable dent in his image as a wholesome family man".

The Guardian reports that the children kept 150 love letters from Lindbergh to their mother.

Failed croc quest

It seems that the Australian hunter hired by the Chinese to catch a crocodile that's been frightening the residents of Hong Kong has failed in his quest.

John Lever began work in confident mood - but has given up after a fortnight.

He tells The Times that he feels like he's let his country down. "After losing the rugby to the Poms, Australia was looking for some salvation," he says.

"I have not provided it."