Ups and downs for 'dithering Darling'

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling earns mixed reviews for his announcement on expanding Britain's airports.

The Times believes he has acted boldly, when many thought he might have procrastinated in the face of ferocious anti-runway protests in marginal constituencies of South East England.

The Independent says Mr Darling deserves a degree of sympathy for the task he faces.

In the paper's words, the pressure of traffic on some airports is becoming unsustainable and cannot be wished away.

But for the Daily Telegraph, the proposals are "too little too late" and will not meet the needs of millions of air travellers.

The Daily Mail brands the transport secretary "Dithering Darling" and says the delay in expanding Heathrow could allow foreign airports to steal a march on their rival.

Fatman and Saddam

The Sun is among papers seeking to cast more light on the dramatic capture of Saddam Hussein.

Under the headline "Fat man sang" the paper reports his whereabouts were given away by a tubby landowner who had been the target for an intensive manhunt by the Americans after being identified as a close aide of the deposed Iraqi leader.

The informer's girth is also highlighted in the Daily Express' version of the story.

The paper says he belonged to what was called the "42-inch waistband crowd" - a gang of Saddam Hussein's associates who enjoyed as much food as they wanted under his rule while many starved.

According to the Daily Mirror, the informer will not receive a penny of the $25m (£13.1m) reward offered for Saddam Hussein's capture because he only gave way under interrogation.

Forgiving Livingstone

The prospect of Ken Livingstone being readmitted to the Labour Party attracts widespread comment - much of it unfavourable.

The Times columnist, Peter Riddell, condemns the move as an act of political cowardice.

While the Telegraph remarks the mayor of London has been rewarded for Labour's weakness.

The Guardian is more forgiving.

It remarks that Labour, as a centre-left party with aims embracing fairness, opportunity and community, ought to be big enough to include both Prime Minister Tony Blair and Ken Livingstone.

The Independent reports the streets of Manhattan are swarming with Christmas shoppers from Britain - lured by the pound's 11-year high against the dollar.

The paper remarks New York has long been a favourite for Brits looking for a steal - but these days there are enough bargains to fill a terrace at the Yankee Stadium.

Good Mooooooorning

Finally, back to Iraq, and the Times remarks it is not just on the battlefield that US forces get the top assignments - back at base they get the best entertainers too.

For the British, there is Jim Davidson and, according to the Mirror, model Nell McAndrew - although she is reported to have cut short her moral-boosting trip because she did not like the accommodation.

American GI's, however, are enjoying entertainment with Hollywood stars Robin Williams and Bruce Willis.

Willams began his show with a cry of: "Good Mooooooorning Baghdad," echoing the title of his 1987 film Good Morning Vietnam.