Irish vote on treaty grips papers

There is plenty of speculation and analysis throughout the papers about why Irish Republic voters rejected the Lisbon Treaty.

"Paddy Power" is how the Sun describes the No vote, claiming: "Brave Ireland has slain the European dragon stone dead".

The Independent reckons fears that the EU would force the Republic into allowing abortion may have swung it.

While the Daily Mail believes the Irish are fed up with waves of immigrants from other parts of Europe.

Strike fears

The papers warn of fuel rationing amid fears of a second wave of strikes from lorry drivers supplying Shell garages.

The Daily Express predicts a "summer of chaos", claiming some petrol stations are already beginning to run out.

The Times says rationing could start as early as Monday, but it also says the government will not stand for anything that could block Britain's fuel lines.

The Daily Mirror calls on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to "knock heads together" to resolve the strike.

School nerves

In the Daily Telegraph the Government tsar for gifted children suggests state schools overlook the brightest pupils to focus on "the mediocre".

John Stannard tells the paper that some schools are so obsessed with raising standards generally, that the needs of very gifted children are ignored.

The Financial Times says record numbers of rich parents are sending children to pre-prep schools, some of them as young as two years' old.

It says people fear their toddlers will lose out on places at the best schools.

Hats, straps, knickers

Several papers are very excited about the new dress code that has been issued by Ascot for women wanting to enter the Royal Enclosure next week.

The Daily Express says the rules ban off-the-shoulder dresses, mini-skirts and even straps under one-inch wide.

Hats will "usually have to be made from feathers, flowers or beads".

The Guardian says the orders are from the Queen's representative and include the phrase, "Knickers, a definite yes, but not on show please, ladies."