Papers weigh up bank merger

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The idea of a bank merger between Lloyds TSB and HBOS had been "unthinkable", says the Daily Mail.

However, now it regards the union as "necessary" - even if that means "tearing up the rulebook".

But no one pretends it is a solution that is cost-free. The Daily Express, Independent and the Sun all agree that 40,000 jobs could go.

The Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail expect the merger will raise mortgages and reduce the interest from savings.

Music hall

Nick Clegg had his chance to show why people should trust the Liberal Democrats to govern, but he did not convince the sketch writers.

The Independent says he was "leaderly" - but wishes he had not used phrases such as "people-shaped".

Simon Hoggart of the Guardian did not like the decision of the Lib Dem leader to stride about, saying it made him look "rather silly".

The Times says he "veered between conference hall - and music hall".

Wrong place

The same paper reports that divers believe they have found the wreck of a ship reputedly laden with jewels owned by a notorious opera singer of her day.

When the Nancy sank off the Scilly Isles in 1784 one of the victims was Ann Cargill.

Her many affairs and elopements had scandalised London, the paper states.

The two divers said various expeditions which searched for the wreck in vain were looking in the wrong place, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Roller disco

The Daily Mail, among other papers, reports the results of research suggesting that gazing at a beautiful painting can ease physical pain.

That may be one reason why so many of the papers offer photographs of Prince William's girlfriend Kate Middleton.

However, it is more likely they were swayed by the fact that she was dressed in hot pants and a sequined top for a charity roller disco event.

The Daily Express is prompted to run headline "Disco queen Kate".