Dannatt appointment splits papers

The imminent appointment of Gen Sir Richard Dannatt as a Conservative adviser is met with a broad range of responses by the newspapers.

The most effusive is the Sun, which calls the former head of the Army a figure of "immense authority" .

But the Daily Mail is "very queasy" as generals are meant to be neutral.

The Independent says the move will anger Downing Street - Gen Dannatt had said his recent attack on ministers' Afghan policy was not party political.

PC Pcs?

The Daily Telegraph says there has been an angry reaction to guidance which says the police do not have to be heroes to protect the public.

The document, drawn up by the Health and Safety Executive, warns people have unrealistic expectations of officers.

The widower of Pc Sharon Beshenivsky - shot dead by armed robbers in 2005 - tells the Daily Mail she knew the dangers when she joined the force.

Paul Beshenivsky says the report is the work of "meddling do-gooders".

Courting trouble

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is said by the Times to be fighting for political survival.

Mr Berlusconi has been stripped of his immunity from prosecution by Italy's Constitutional Court, the paper says.

It predicts that he could now face several criminal trials and the collapse of his government.

The Guardian reminds its readers how the Clean Hands corruption inquiry overthrew Italy's political order during the early 1990s.

Ascent of man

There are no prizes for noticing that leading men have changed since the 1960s - with a rugged Sean Connery replaced by an androgynous Johnny Depp.

The Daily Mail thinks the contraceptive pill might have suppressed a natural preference for masculine features.

Researchers have discovered a new male tribe, according to the Daily Express - "Mentertainers" , who love to show off their culinary skills at parties.

The paper wonders when another male group will be found: washer-uppers.