What the papers say

Journalist Mike Philpott takes a look at what is making the headlines in Thursday's morning papers.

The Irish News features a huge, double page picture of Gerry Conlon and Annie Maguire holding their letters of apology from Tony Blair.

In all, the paper has nine pages of coverage on the subject - much of it written by its correspondent Marie Louise McCrory who, it says, was the only reporter present when the prime minister met the families.

In a leader, the paper outlines its own role in pushing for the apology - and it concludes that, when it finally came, "it was quite a moment".

The Mirror says Mr Blair "has done the decent thing" - a view echoed by the Irish Independent, which says the prime minister's behaviour "contrasts sharply with that of Sinn Fein and the IRA, from whom apologies do not come readily".

A member of the Birmingham Six has asked for an apology, indicating that Mr Blair has set a precedent, despite his insistence that he hadn't The Guardian

The Independent in London says the apology was "thoroughly deserved".

But the Guardian is slightly puzzled, given the treatment of the accused since they left prison.

It notes that Gerry Conlon has only belatedly been offered treatment for post-traumatic stress.

It also points out that a member of the Birmingham Six has asked for an apology, indicating that Mr Blair has set a precedent, despite his insistence that he had not.

'Money and accommodation'

Daily Ireland - which leads with Wednesday's police searches in County Tyrone in connection with the Northern Bank robbery - comments that the events in London were extremely welcome.

However, it says there are hundreds of others who have suffered at the hands of the British state, and for some, "an apology will never be enough".

The Irish Times makes a fulsome apology of its own, after its columnist Kevin Myers insulted unmarried mothers by suggesting some of them became pregnant in the knowledge that they could claim money and accommodation from the state.

No Northern Ireland politicians will be invited to the White House on St Patrick's Day to avoid the spectacle of President Bush shaking hands with Gerry Adams News Letter

As the paper itself admits, it caused a storm of protest, so it sets out to make amends, with a leader article and Mr Myers's own column devoted to the subject.

It comments that "there is a fine line between free speech and odious opinions which cause people hurt".

The News Letter carries only one paragraph on its front page on the Guildford Four story, concentrating instead on a government proposal that flags should be banned from the routes of twelfth of July parades.

Its headline says that "tradition is on the block".

In a leader, it considers the possibility that no Northern Ireland politicians will be invited to the White House on St Patrick's Day to avoid the spectacle of President Bush shaking hands with Gerry Adams.

The paper says most unionist politicians "will not lose a lot of sleep over the issue", but it feels it is unfair that everyone else should be punished along with Sinn Fein.

'Ban the fashion'

There is much coverage of the Brit Awards, with a great many pictures of the winners.

The Mail concentrates on the success of the double prize winner, 17-year-old Joss Stone.

It says she was so nervous about singing that she would speak only in whispers before the show.

Finally, bad news for some people in the music world, as the Guardian reports on a new proposal in the state of Virginia to ban the fashion for low-slung trousers that show off people's underwear.

A new bill would impose a $50 fine on anyone "showing their below-waist undergarments".

Its sponsor, Algie Howell, is quoted as saying: "There's a reason why they're called undergarments."