Caution over interest rate cut

A cut in interest rates would normally have been warmly welcomed. As the Independent points out, the reduction of half of one percent is a hefty one.

The problem, the Daily Telegraph says, is not the cost of money, but the availability of credit.

There is little point in continuing to reduce the price of something people are unable to buy, it says.

For the Daily Mail, that is what makes the official interest rate largely irrelevant.

Anger and dismay

Several papers report that ambulance crews in Gaza have rescued four small children found next to the bodies of their dead mothers at a bombed house.

The Daily Telegraph reports that they had been alone and without any food for days.

The Independent, meanwhile, says the Israeli offensive appears to be increasing scepticism in the West Bank.

The frustration at the outcome of peace efforts, it adds, is now combined with anger and dismay at the Gaza carnage.

Political flavour

There is much interest in a new range of crisps going on sale, including chilli and chocolate, and onion bhaji.

The most eye-catching for the papers is cajun squirrel - the Daily Mail hastily adds, for the benefit of animal lovers, that no real squirrels are used.

The Times is more interested in the launch of a new ice cream flavour to mark Barack Obama's inauguration.

Ben & Jerry's has come up with a name that echoes his campaign rallying cry "Yes, we can!" - it is "Yes, pecan!"

Shopping spree

Reports appear that a woman addicted to shopping has been crushed to death after a mountain of suitcases filled with unopened goods fell on her.

The Daily Express says her bungalow was so crammed that it took police nearly two days to find Joan Cunnane, 77.

According to the Daily Mail her home was stacked with umbrellas, candles, ornaments, trinkets, clothes, scarves, electrical items and videotapes.

Even her car was full of shopping, the Daily Mirror says.