What the papers say

Journalist Grania McFadden takes a look at Monday's morning newspapers.

Both Belfast papers lead with child sex allegations against retired civil servant John Mallon, who was arrested in Chicago and accused of using the Internet to coerce a child into having sex.

The Irish News says if he is convicted, he faces up to 15 years in jail.

The Mirror's lead story claims that the Army helicopter which crashed in south Armagh at the weekend was carrying an SAS unit.

The paper quotes a security source who said: "Most of the passengers were special service soldiers who were going out on patrol".

Threat

It had been thought that the regiment had been stood down since the IRA ceasefire.

The Irish Times claims that paramilitary groups have ordered almost 700 people out of their homes in Northern Ireland during the last year.

The figure comes from Base 2, an organisation which provides support for those under threat from paramilitaries.

The paper also says that police have reported an increase in paramilitary-style attacks.

Last year there were 331 of them - the highest number since records began.

The Independent's front page story tells of an increase of a different kind.

Baby

It says there has been a huge rise in the number of babies born with defects - some types of abnormality have increased by up to 50% in five years - and experts believe pollution and drug use may be to blame.

The Birth Defects Foundation is to launch a campaign today outlining five steps women can take to increase their chances of having a healthy baby.

These include taking folic acid supplements, reducing alcohol, stopping smoking and eating a balanced diet.

The Guardian warns that Labour Minister Clare Short could quit her post if Britain engages in military action against Iraq.

Ms Short, the first cabinet minister to declare her opposition to such an attack, said she would consider resigning if she felt such action was unwarranted.

Elsewhere, the tabloids all lead with crime stories, following Home Secretary David Blunkett's interview on the BBC on Sunday.

Stilts

The Mail says Mr Blunkett has ordered a fresh onslaught on mugging and car jacking.

The Express lists a series of new initiatives to be introduced, which include teatime courts, and a "Dad's Army" of volunteers to man desks at police stations.

Many papers carry pictures of Sunday's St Patrick's day celebrations around the globe - there were parades from Belfast to Beijing.

But local events were on a smaller scale than those in Rome, New York and London.

One bystander in Belfast told the Irish Times that all he saw were three guys on stilts and a marching band.

Most of the papers carry pictures of singer Liza Minelli's wedding on Sunday.

There were 17 bridesmaids, aged from 26 to 78, dressed in black, and the groomsmen were the Jackson Five.

The Mail says the bride swept in an hour early, while the matron of honour - Elizabeth Taylor - tottered along 14 minutes late.

The Mirror described it as "the night of a thousand facelifts".