What the papers say

Journalist Keith Baker takes a look at what is making the headlines in Friday morning's newspapers.

The Irish News and Daily Ireland have front page pictures of Gerry Adams along with the story that seven members of Sinn Fein have been suspended over allegations of involvement in the murder of Robert McCartney.

Daily Ireland has an interview with Mr Adams and says that "judging by his throatiness and his demeanour, he is exhausted".

He tells the paper: "I couldn't campaign for justice for victims of British or Unionist paramilitaries if I wasn't proactive in seeking justice for the McCartney family."

We're in such a fine mess that even on St Patrick's Day, President Bush doesn't want to be near our under-achieving peacemakers Daily Ireland

Meanwhile, the Irish Times carries the results of a poll which indicates that support for Sinn Fein in the Irish Republic has fallen.

And Mr Adams' own approval, it says, has dropped by 12 points to 30%. There is comment in some of the leader columns about the fact that local politicians are not being invited to the White House for St Patrick's Day.

The News Letter feels that Unionist, SDLP and Alliance politicians should have been asked.

It thinks this would have sent a firmer message to Sinn Fein and the IRA that criminal activity will not be tolerated.

But Daily Ireland says "we're in such a fine mess that even on St Patrick's Day, President Bush doesn't want to be near our under-achieving peacemakers".

The News Letter has a front page picture of a school crossing patrolwoman holding up her stop sign. "Stop the cuts" the headline says.

The paper reports on what it calls "the threat of financial meltdown" for the Southern Education and Library Board, which is facing budget cuts of £7m.

It lists some of the things under threat, including crossing patrols, school meals, transport and libraries. In the cross-channel papers you can take your choice. It's either the war of Mrs Dixon's shoulder, as the Daily Telegraph calls it, or "the battle of wounded arm", which is the Times' version.

At any rate, 69-year-old Margaret Dixon and her strapped-up arm can be seen on many of the front pages.

The Independent says the row between Labour and the Tories over her much-postponed operation on the NHS has turned into an extraordinary political slanging match.

'Not a game'

The Guardian accuses both parties of spinning frantically as they fight for electoral advantage.

But the Mail headlines Mrs Dixon's own thoughts on the matter: "It's my life - not a game." For many of the papers, the Michael Jackson trial is the big story.

There are colourful descriptions of the master bedroom at the Neverland ranch, as shown on a police video - "his lair", as the Daily Star and the Sun call it.

And since cameras are banned from the courtroom, the Sun lets you recreate the drama of the trial in your own home.

It provides "a cut-out kit" of some of the star witnesses, including Stevie Wonder and Elizabeth Taylor. There's even Bubbles the chimp.

Meanwhile, the Times says Michael Jackson is being accused of a new crime - wearing a medal he has not earned.

Apparently he is wearing a gold star which members of his staff are thought to have bought in an antique shop.

'Tipsy students'

But the item in question turns out to be the Order of Vienna and in Austria, it's illegal to wear it undeservedly.

The Irish News reports that Fisherwick Church on the Malone Road is planning to start a bus service to help tipsy students get home safely after nights on the town.

They are looking for 50 Christian volunteers for the service which will start next month.

The organisers say the students need not worry. They will not be preached at and there will even be biscuits.

Finally, the Mail gives the results of a survey to find the "most hated sweets of yesteryear" - although some of them are still around today.

Undisputed top of the yuk list was Parma Violets. One man who was surveyed said the perfume reminded him of old ladies. Fisherman's Friends didn't do too well either.